International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 5% in the first quarter of 2025 though results were mixed among regions and sub-regions.
According to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism in its press release, over 300 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of 2025, about 14 million more than in the same months of 2024. That represents a 5% rise on last year and is 3% more than in pre-pandemic year 2019. The robust performance came despite the sector facing a range of geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as high inflation in travel and tourism services.
In every global region, tourism stands out as a major services sector, supporting millions of jobs and businesses of all sizes. Africa shows solid results, while Asia Pacific rebounds strongly
According to the World Tourism Barometer breakdown, Europe welcomed 125 million international tourists in the first three months of the year whereas in Southern Mediterranean Europe arrivals increased 2%, reflecting growing demand for off-season travel to some destinations.
Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly, especially Baltic destinations.
Africa recorded 9% growth in arrivals and the Americas saw 2% more international arrivals, with several destinations in South America enjoying strong results during the Southern Hemisphere summer season. The Middle East recorded 1% growth.
Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 12% and North-East Asia saw the strongest performance among world subregions with a 23% rebound, the release added.
According to IATA, international air travel demand grew 8% in January-March 2025 while international air capacity was up 7%. Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 64% in March.
Spain, the world’s second largest tourism earner, reported 9% growth in the first two months of 2025 and in Southern Mediterranean Europe, Türkiye (+7%) posted solid results as did Greece, Italy and Portugal.
France recorded 6% growth in international tourism receipts, Norway 20% and Denmark 11%, in the first quarter of 2025.
In Asia and the Pacific, Japan continued to enjoy a surge in receipts in Q1 (+34%), while Nepal (+18%), the Republic of Korea and Mongolia (both +14%) also recorded double-digit growth.
The United States, the world’s top tourism earner, reported 3% growth in January-March 2025.
Revised data shows that total export revenues from international tourism (receipts and passenger transport) grew by 11% that represents about 6% of the world’s total exports of goods and services and 23% of global trade in services.
International tourism receipts, the main component of tourism service exports, grew 11% to USD 1.7 trillion, also in real terms (adjusted for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations). Average spending remained at USD 1,170 per international trip.
The latest Panel of Tourism Experts survey points to economic factors including weaker economic growth, high travel costs and the increase in tariffs as the main three challenges that could impact international tourism in 2025.
According to the survey, tourists will continue to seek value for money, but could also travel closer to home or make shorter trips.
The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index reflects cautious optimism for the period May-August 2025. Experts highlighted the uncertainty and unpredictability derived from trade tariffs and its potential impact on travel sentiment. Despite global uncertainty, travel demand is expected to remain resilient, the release reads.
