The first World Tourism Barometer of 2026 estimates that 1.52 billion international tourists traveled globally in 2025, nearly 60 million more than in 2024. International tourist arrivals worldwide increased by 4 percent in 2025, signaling strong and sustained demand for travel despite inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The first World Tourism Barometer of 2026 reported that an estimated 1.52 billion international tourists traveled globally in 2025, nearly 60 million more than in 2024. This growth reflects a return to pre-pandemic patterns, approaching the annual average growth of 5 percent recorded between 2009 and 2019.
UNWTO Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais emphasized that demand for travel remained resilient throughout 2025 despite high tourism costs and ongoing geopolitical tensions. She added that positive momentum is expected to continue in 2026, supported by steady global economic conditions and destinations that have yet to fully recover from the pandemic.
Africa Leads Growth, Asia-Pacific Rebounds
Regionally, Africa recorded the strongest growth, with international arrivals rising 8 percent to 81 million, led by North Africa, which posted an 11 percent increase.
Asia and the Pacific saw arrivals grow 6 percent to 331 million, although volumes remain 9 percent below 2019 levels. North-East Asia led the rebound with 13 percent growth, while South Asia has already reached pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a steady recovery in the region.
Europe, the world’s largest tourism destination, welcomed 793 million tourists, up 4 percent from 2024 and 6 percent above 2019 levels. Growth was particularly strong in Western Europe and Southern Mediterranean Europe, while Central and Eastern Europe rebounded significantly but still lagged behind pre-pandemic figures.
The Americas recorded modest growth of 1 percent, with South America (+7%) and Central America (+5%) performing strongly, offset by weaker results in the United States and parts of the Caribbean affected by late-year hurricanes.
The Middle East continued to outperform, registering 3 percent growth in 2025 and reaching nearly 100 million international visitors, approximately 39 percent above pre-pandemic levels.
Destinations Post Double-Digit Gains
Several countries reported double-digit growth in international arrivals in 2025, including Brazil (+37%), Egypt (+20%), Morocco (+14%), and Seychelles (+13%). Other destinations, reporting through November 2025, saw strong gains, such as Bhutan (+30%), Iceland (+29%), Japan (+17%), and South Africa (+19%).
Tourism infrastructure also reflected the positive trend. International air capacity and passenger traffic grew 7 percent through October 2025, while global hotel occupancy reached 66 percent in November, matching 2024 levels.
Tourism Receipts Reach Record Levels
UNWTO reported that international tourism receipts reached an estimated USD 1.9 trillion in 2025, a 5 percent increase from 2024. Total tourism export revenues, including passenger transport, are estimated at a record USD 2.2 trillion.
Several destinations recorded faster growth in receipts than in arrivals, including Morocco, Japan, Egypt, and South Korea. Among the top tourism earners, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Türkiye all posted solid gains.
Outlook for 2026
UNWTO projects global tourism growth of 3–4 percent in 2026, assuming continued recovery in Asia and the Pacific and stable economic conditions worldwide. However, risks remain, including geopolitical conflicts, high travel costs, and extreme weather events.
According to the UN Tourism Confidence Index, 58 percent of experts expect better performance in 2026 compared to 2025. Major global events such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2026 are also expected to boost international travel and stimulate growth in several markets.
