Global international tourist arrivals increased by 4% in 2025, signaling a return to pre-pandemic growth trends, with strong demand, improved air connectivity, and ongoing recovery in key regions driving the sector’s performance.
Global Tourism Growth in 2025
International tourism saw a 4% increase in arrivals in 2025, according to the latest data from the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer. This growth brings the sector closer to the average annual increase of 5% recorded between 2009 and 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global travel. The rise in international arrivals was supported by strong demand, robust performance from major source markets, and the continued recovery of destinations, particularly in Asia and the Pacific. Enhanced air connectivity and improved visa facilitation also contributed to the positive trend.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais noted that demand for travel remained high throughout 2025, despite challenges such as inflation in tourism services and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The organization expects this positive trend to continue into 2026, as the global economy is projected to remain stable and destinations that have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels continue to recover.
Regional Performance Overview
The World Tourism Barometer provides a breakdown of international arrivals by region:
– Europe: The region recorded 793 million international tourists in 2025, a 4% increase from 2024 and 6% above 2019 levels. Western Europe (+5%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%) performed well, while Central and Eastern Europe rebounded by 6% but remained 9% below 2019 figures.
– Americas: The Americas saw 218 million arrivals, a 1% increase over the previous year. South America (+7%) and Central America (+5%) led growth, while some Caribbean destinations were affected by Hurricane Melissa, resulting in flat growth.
– Africa: Africa welcomed 81 million international tourists, an 8% increase, with North Africa showing particularly strong results (+11%).
– Middle East: The region experienced 3% growth, reaching nearly 100 million international visitors, which is 39% above pre-pandemic levels.
– Asia and the Pacific: Arrivals grew by 6% to 331 million, though the region remains 9% below 2019 levels. North-East Asia led with 13% growth, and South Asia returned to pre-pandemic numbers.
Destination Highlights and Industry Indicators
Several destinations reported double-digit growth in international arrivals for 2025. Notable increases were seen in Brazil (+37%), Egypt (+20%), Morocco (+14%), and Seychelles (+13%). Destinations with data through November also showed strong growth, including Bhutan (+30%), Iceland (+29%), Guyana (+24%), South Africa (+19%), and Japan (+17%).
Industry indicators reflected these positive trends. International air capacity and passenger traffic increased by 7% through October 2025. Global accommodation occupancy reached 66% in November, matching the previous year’s level.
Tourism Receipts and Spending
Visitor spending remained strong throughout 2025. Preliminary estimates indicate that international tourism receipts reached USD 1.9 trillion, a 5% increase from 2024. Total export revenues from tourism, including passenger transport, are estimated at USD 2.2 trillion.
Many destinations reported higher growth in receipts than in arrivals. Morocco (+19%), Republic of Korea (+18%), Egypt (+17%), Mongolia (+15%), Japan (+14%), Latvia (+11%), and Mauritius (+10%) all saw significant increases in tourism receipts. Among top tourism earners, the United Kingdom and France each grew by 9%, Spain by 7%, and Türkiye by 6%. Major source markets such as the United States (+8%), France (+4%), Spain (+16%), and the Republic of Korea (+10%) also reported increased international tourism expenditure.
Outlook for 2026
International tourism is projected to grow by 3% to 4% in 2026, assuming continued recovery in Asia and the Pacific, stable global economic conditions, and no escalation in geopolitical conflicts. The UN Tourism Confidence Index shows that 58% of experts expect better or much better performance in 2026, while 31% anticipate similar results and 11% expect worse.
Key challenges identified for 2026 include economic factors, high travel costs, and geopolitical risks. While inflation in tourism services remains high, tourists are expected to continue seeking value for money. Major international events such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2026 are expected to further boost international travel.
Discover more at UN Tourism.
