Global Tourist Arrivals Rise 4% in 2025 as Travel Demand Returns to Pre-Pandemic Growth Path — UN Tourism
Global tourist arrivals rose by 4% in 2025 with an estimated 1.52 billion travellers, according to the UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer, signaling strong travel demand and a return toward pre-pandemic growth patterns.
International travel is showing strong signs of recovery and growth, with global tourist arrivals increasing by 4 % in 2025 compared with the previous year, according to the latest UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer. The Madrid-based United Nations agency reports that an estimated 1.52 billion international tourists travelled worldwide last year, nearly 60 million more than in 2024 - marking the highest number of arrivals seen in the post-pandemic era.
UN Tourism says this growth reflects a return to pre-pandemic travel patterns, approximating the average global tourism growth of around 5 % per year that was typical before COVID-19 disrupted travel worldwide. Strong demand from major source markets, improved air connectivity, and enhanced visa facilitation across destinations all contributed to this sustained momentum in international travel.
Regional Highlights
Europe - The world’s most visited region welcomed about 793 million international arrivals in 2025, a 4 % rise compared with 2024 and 6 % above 2019 levels, reaffirming its top destination status.
Asia and the Pacific - Recorded 331 million arrivals, up 6 % from the prior year, as the region continued its rebound, though still not fully back to 2019 volumes.
Africa - Posted the strongest regional growth with an 8 % increase, led by North African destinations.
Middle East - Grew 3 %, reaching levels nearly 39 % above pre-pandemic figures.
Americas - Saw a modest 1 % increase, with growth patterns varying across subregions.
Demand Remains Resilient Amid Challenges
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais noted that “travel demand remained strong throughout 2025, despite high inflation in tourism services and uncertainty stemming from geopolitical tensions.” She expressed optimism that this positive trend will continue into 2026, helped by the stability of the global economy and the ongoing recovery of destinations that have not yet fully regained pre-pandemic visitor levels.
Last Updated: January 23, 2026
