Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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January 20, 2026 Economic development
According to this year's first World Tourism Barometer, the world is expected to welcome 1.52 billion international tourist arrivals in 2025, an increase of nearly 60 million or four percent over 2024.
These figures reflect a return to pre-pandemic growth trends, closer to the average annual growth of five percent recorded between 2009 and 2019. The results were driven by strong demand, the resilient dynamics of major markets, and the ongoing recovery of travel in Asia and the Pacific. The expansion of air connectivity and visa services also supported international travel in 2025.
Commenting on these data, Sheikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, noted that travel demand remained strong throughout 2025, despite high inflation in the tourism sector and uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions. "We expect this positive trend to continue into 2026, as the global economy is expected to remain stable and destinations still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels fully recover," she added.
Data by region
Europe, the world's largest destination region, is expected to receive 793 million international tourists in 2025, up four percent from 2024 and six percent from 2019.
Western Europe (up five percent) and the Mediterranean region (up three percent) demonstrated stable performance. Central and Eastern Europe (up six percent) are showing signs of growth, although arrivals are still nine percent below 2019 levels.
The Americas (218 million tourists) saw growth of 1 percent last year, with mixed results across subregions. After strong results in the first half of 2025, the region recorded a slight decline in the third and fourth quarters, partly due to weak performance in the United States.
South America (up seven percent) and Central America (up five percent) led this group of countries. Several Caribbean destinations were hit by Hurricane Melissa in the final quarter of the year.
In Africa (81 million tourists), arrivals increased by eight percent in 2025, with particularly strong results in North Africa (plus 11 percent).
The Middle East is expected to grow by three percent in 2025, 39 percent above pre-pandemic levels—the strongest result since 2019. The region is on track to reach 100 million international visitors in 2025.
Arrivals to Asia and the Pacific (331 million) grew by six percent last year, but this figure is still nine percent below 2019 levels. The region's performance continued to recover. Northeast Asia led the way with growth of 13 percent compared to 2024, while South Asia recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
Data by country
Several countries that provided data for the twelve months to 2025 demonstrated double-digit growth in international arrivals. Leading the way were Brazil (37 percent), Egypt (20 percent), Morocco (14 percent), and the Seychelles (13 percent).
By November, Bhutan (30 percent), Iceland (29 percent), Guyana (24 percent), South Africa (19 percent) and Japan (17 percent) also showed strong growth.
Tourism revenues are breaking records
Tourism revenues reached a record $2.2 trillion in 2025. Sustained growth was seen in Morocco (19 percent), the Republic of Korea (18 percent), Egypt (17 percent), Mongolia (15 percent), Japan (14 percent), Latvia (11 percent), and Mauritius (10 percent).
Tourism revenues also grew in the UK, France, Spain and Turkey.
Forecast for 2026
International tourism is expected to grow by 3–4 percent in 2026 compared to 2025, assuming Asia and the Pacific continue to show signs of recovery, global economic conditions remain favorable, and geopolitical conflicts do not escalate. Uncertainty caused by current geopolitical tensions and conflicts increases risks for tourism in 2026.
Major international events such as the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy and the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Canada, USA and Mexico) will also contribute to international travel.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.