For many people, travel in recent years came with uncertainty. Borders opened and closed, flights were delayed, and prices climbed.
Now, the latest UN Tourism Barometer offers a clearer picture. Global travel is no longer just recovering. It is growing again.
Released in January 2026, the report shows that international tourism reached a new high in 2025.
More people travelled across borders than in the previous year, and many destinations reported strong results. For travelers planning trips in 2026, the data offers both reassurance and useful guidance.
A strong year for global travel
According to UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals increased by 4 percent in 2025. An estimated 1.52 billion people traveled internationally, nearly 60 million more than in 2024.
The report calls 2025 “a new record year for international tourist arrivals in the post-pandemic era.” This growth also matches earlier forecasts, suggesting that tourism has returned to its long term pattern of steady expansion.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais said, “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.”
What makes this growth notable is the global context. Inflation affected travel services in many countries, and geopolitical tensions continued in several regions. Yet, people still travelled.
Travel demand “remained solid in 2025 despite inflation in tourism services and geopolitical challenges.” For many travellers, this shows that travel is once again seen as essential, not optional.
Europe leads, Africa shines
Europe remained the world’s most visited region. Nearly 793 million international tourists traveled to Europe in 2025. This was not only higher than 2024, but also 6 percent above 2019 levels, before the pandemic.
Countries in Western and Southern Europe continued to attract visitors with reliable transport, cultural landmarks, and familiar travel routes. Central and Eastern Europe also saw strong recovery, though some countries are still catching up to pre-pandemic numbers.
Africa stood out for its pace of growth. International arrivals to the continent rose by 8 percent in 2025, the strongest performance among all regions. North Africa performed especially well, with Morocco nearing 20 million international visitors.
The report highlights countries such as South Africa, Ethiopia, Seychelles, and Tunisia as strong performers. For travelers, this points to growing interest in destinations that offer culture, wildlife, and experiences beyond traditional tourism hubs.
Asia and the Pacific continue their return
Asia and the Pacific recorded 6 percent growth in international arrivals in 2025. While the region has not fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, the rebound is steady.
North East Asia led growth, with countries like Japan and South Korea reporting double digit increases in visitor numbers. South Asia also recovered pre-pandemic levels, with destinations such as Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives seeing strong demand.
For travellers, this means more flight options and renewed access to destinations that were closed or difficult to reach just a few years ago.
Travellers are spending more money
Another key trend is spending. The report shows that international tourism receipts reached nearly 1.9 trillion US dollars in 2025. When passenger transport is included, total tourism export revenues are estimated at 2.2 trillion dollars.
UN Tourism describes 2025 as a year of “extraordinary levels in visitor spending.” In many destinations, tourism earnings grew faster than visitor numbers.
This suggests that travelers are staying longer, choosing higher quality accommodation, or spending more on food, shopping, and experiences. It also explains why many travelers feel that trips are more expensive than before.
While global inflation eased in 2025, inflation in tourism related services remains higher than pre-pandemic levels. Hotels, flights, and local transport continue to cost more in many places.
What experts expect in 2026?
Looking ahead, UN Tourism expects international travel to grow by 3 to 4 percent in 2026. Experts surveyed for the report remain optimistic, though slightly more cautious than last year.
On a scale of 0 to 200, experts rated 2026 at 126. This signals confidence, but also awareness of risks. According to the survey, the main challenges ahead include high travel costs, economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and climate related events.
At the same time, several factors are expected to support travel. Air connectivity is improving, with more available seats worldwide.
Major events such as the Winter Olympics in Italy and the FIFA World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico are also expected to boost international travel.
Latest trends indicate that travellers are likely to “seek value for money,” rather than simply travel more.
What this means for everyday travelers?
For readers planning trips in 2026, the UN Tourism Barometer offers clear lessons.
Here are the key takeaways for travelers:
• Travel demand is strong, so booking early can help secure better prices
• Europe remains popular, but Africa and Asia offer fast growing alternatives
• Expect higher prices, especially for flights and accommodation
• Look for destinations with good air links and simple visa rules
• Focus on value, not just cost, when choosing where and how to travel
• Plan with flexibility, as global disruptions remain possible
Closing
The latest UN Tourism Barometer sends a clear message. Global travel has moved beyond recovery and into a new phase of growth. People are traveling more, spending more, and exploring a wider range of destinations.
For travelers, 2026 is not just about returning to old habits. It is about making informed choices, finding meaningful experiences, and traveling with awareness in a changing world.
As UN Tourism data shows, the desire to explore remains strong. The challenge now is to travel wisely, and well.
