TORONTO — International tourist arrivals increased by 4% in 2025, signalling continued global travel demand and a return to pre-pandemic growth patterns, according to new data from UN Tourism.

The first World Tourism Barometer of the year reports an estimated 1.52 billion international overnight visitors worldwide in 2025, nearly 60 million more than in 2024. Growth was supported by strong demand from major source markets, increased air connectivity, improved visa facilitation and continued recovery across Asia and the Pacific.

“Demand for travel remained high throughout 2025, despite high inflation in tourism services and uncertainty from geopolitical tensions. We expect this positive trend to continue into 2026 as global economy is expected to remain steady and destinations still lagging behind pre pandemic levels fully recover,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais.

Europe remained the world’s largest destination region, welcoming 793 million international tourists in 2025, up 4% from 2024 and 6% above 2019 levels. Western Europe and Southern Mediterranean Europe led performance, while Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly, though arrivals remained below pre-pandemic volumes.

Africa recorded the strongest regional growth, with arrivals up 8%, driven largely by an 11% increase in North Africa. The Middle East saw 3% growth, reaching nearly 100 million international visitors and standing 39% above 2019 levels.

Asia and the Pacific continued its recovery, with arrivals rising 6% year over year, though totals remained 9% below pre-pandemic levels. North-East Asia led regional growth, while South Asia fully recovered to 2019 volumes.

The Americas recorded modest growth of 1%, with South America and Central America outperforming other subregions. Some Caribbean destinations were impacted by Hurricane Melissa late in the year.

The rebound in international travel was reflected across industry indicators, with international air capacity and passenger traffic up 7% through October 2025, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA). Global hotel occupancy reached 66% in November, matching 2024 levels.

Tourism export revenues reached a record US$2.2 trillion in 2025, including $1.9 trillion in international tourism receipts, up 5% year over year. Many destinations reported faster growth in receipts than arrivals, reflecting higher visitor spending.

Looking ahead, UN Tourism forecasts international tourism growth of 3% to 4% in 2026, supported by strong consumer demand, expanding air connectivity and major global events including the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Canada, the United States and Mexico, while noting ongoing risks tied to geopolitical uncertainty and elevated travel costs.