- France welcomed 102m international visitors in 2025.
- The total broke the prior record of 100m.
- Spain followed with 93.8m arrivals.
- UN Tourism adjusted 2026 global forecasts.
- The sector contributes $12 trillion to the world economy.
France has continued as the world’s most visited country with record international arrivals. Updated UN World Tourism Organisation figures showed 102m visitors in 2025. This total surpassed the previous record of 100m set in 2024.
Spain recorded 93.8m arrivals in second place followed by the US with 72.4m, Italy with 60.6m, and Turkey with 57.8m.
Global forecasts for 2026 adjusted downward due to Middle East developments. The World Travel and Tourism Council projected the sector to contribute $12 trillion to the world economy.
The figures show Ireland’s decline in tourism numbers since pre-pandemic, down 39.8pc, is the worst in western Europe.
