- Global tourism reached 1.52bn arrivals in 2025, a 4pc increase
- The first quarter of 2026 recorded 307m arrivals, up 2pc year on year
- Europe led with 130m arrivals, a 4pc increase
- Growth slowed in March 2026 due to Middle East conflicts
- 64pc of experts report a negative impact on demand from geopolitical tensions
Global international tourism has reached a new record in 2025 with an estimated 1.52bn international tourist arrivals, an increase of 4pc over 2024, according to data from the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer. This momentum continued into early 2026, with 307m arrivals recorded in the first quarter alone, representing a 2pc increase year on year. Europe led the growth with 130m arrivals in the first quarter, a 4pc increase, while Africa also recorded 4pc growth in the same period.
The surge to 1.52bn arrivals in 2025 reflects robust traveller demand, with growth driven by stronger air connectivity, simplified visa rules, and a major travel rebound in Asia and the Pacific. The first quarter of 2026 saw January and February recording a healthy 2.5pc cumulative growth rate, though growth slowed sharply to 0.4pc in March due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Asia and the Pacific recorded a 3pc rise in the first quarter, though recovery remains uneven across different destinations, while the Americas posted a modest 2pc upward bump.
UN Tourism has warned of several challenges that could drag full-year growth down by 1pc to 2pc below initial forecasts, including geopolitical pressures from the Middle East conflict, high oil prices, jet fuel shortages, and expensive accommodation rates putting pressure on consumer wallets. A survey of industry experts has found that 64pc report a negative impact on overall demand from geopolitical tensions. Many travellers are expected to redirect their plans toward destinations closer to home due to rising costs.
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, shared: “The recovery of global tourism continues at a strong pace, with 2025 marking a record year for international arrivals, and while we face challenges including geopolitical tensions and rising costs, the underlying demand for travel remains robust.”
