The figures indicate a return to pre-pandemic growth patterns, closer to
the average annual increase of 5% recorded between 2009 and 2019. Performance
was supported by strong travel demand, robust results from major source markets
and the continued recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific.
Improved air connectivity and expanded visa facilitation also played a role
in supporting international travel flows throughout 2025.
Shaikha Alnuwais, UN Tourism Secretary-General, said: “Demand for travel remained
high throughout 2025, despite high inflation in tourism services and
uncertainty from geopolitical tensions. We expect this positive trend to
continue into 2026 as global economy is expected to remain steady and
destinations still lagging behind pre pandemic levels fully recover.”
The World Tourism Barometer provides detailed insights by region, sub-region and destination. Europe, the world’s largest destination region, recorded 793 million international tourists in 2025, a 4% increase compared to 2024 .
·
Western Europe
posted growth of 5%, while Southern Mediterranean Europe increased by 3%.
Central and Eastern Europe recorded a strong rebound of 6%, although arrivals
remained 9% below pre-pandemic levels.
·
The Americas
welcomed 218 million international tourists in 2025, representing growth of 1%.
Performance varied across subregions, with South America growing by 7% and
Central America by 5%. Some Caribbean destinations recorded flat results
following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the final quarter of the year.
·
Africa recorded
the strongest regional performance, with arrivals increasing by 8% to reach 81
million international tourists. North Africa led growth within the region,
posting an increase of 11%.
·
The Middle East
recorded 3% growth in 2025, reaching levels 39% above those of 2019. The region
approached 100 million international visitors during the year, representing the
strongest recovery relative to pre-pandemic benchmarks.
·
Asia and the Pacific
recorded 331 million international arrivals in 2025, an increase of 6% compared
to 2024, although arrivals remained 9% below 2019 levels. North-East Asia led
regional growth with a 13% increase, while South Asia returned to pre-pandemic
volumes.
At destination level, many countries reported double-digit growth in
international arrivals during 2025. Among those with full-year data, Brazil
recorded growth of 37%, Egypt 20%, Morocco 14% and Seychelles 13%.
Destinations reporting data through November also showed strong
performance, including Bhutan with growth of 30%, Iceland 29%, Guyana 24%,
South Africa 19% and Japan 17%.
Growth in arrivals was mirrored by other industry indicators. International air capacity and global air passenger traffic increased by 7% through October 2025. Global accommodation occupancy reached 66% in November 2025, matching levels recorded in November 2024.
Preliminary data indicate that international tourism receipts reached
approximately 1.9 trillion US dollars in 2025, representing a 5% increase
compared to 2024.
Total export revenues from tourism, including passenger transport, are
estimated at 2.2 trillion US dollars in 2025. Many destinations recorded faster
growth in receipts than in arrivals.
Among destinations reporting strong growth in tourism receipts were Morocco
with an increase of 19%, the Republic of Korea 18%, Egypt 17%, Mongolia 15%,
Japan 14%, Latvia 11% and Mauritius 10%, measured in local currencies.
Among the world’s leading tourism earners, the United Kingdom and France
both recorded growth of 9%, while Spain grew by 7% and Türkiye by 6% during the
first ten to twelve months of 2025.
International tourism expenditure data also point to sustained demand,
particularly from major source markets including the United States with growth
of 8%, France 4%, Spain 16% and the Republic of Korea 10%.
Looking ahead, international tourism is expected to grow by 3% to 4% in
2026 compared to 2025, assuming continued recovery in Asia and the Pacific,
stable global economic conditions and no significant escalation of geopolitical
conflicts.
UN Tourism projections reflect a normalisation of growth rates following
the strong rebound recorded in 2023 and 2024 and the 4% increase in 2025.
The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index indicates that 58% of experts expect
better or much better performance in 2026, while 31% anticipate similar results
and 11% foresee weaker performance.
Experts identified economic conditions, high travel costs and geopolitical
risks as the main challenges for international tourism in 2026. While headline
inflation declined globally in 2025, tourism-related services continued to
experience elevated price levels.
International tourism in 2026 is expected to be supported by solid consumer
demand, enhanced air connectivity and growing outbound travel from emerging
markets. Major international events, including the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter
Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, the United States and Mexico,
are also expected to contribute to global travel flows.
Tags:Shaikha Alnuwais, UN Tourism
