The findings, published in the 2025 edition of the World Tourism Barometer by UN Tourism, show that global travel continues to rebound strongly despite inflationary pressures and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Global tourism reaches 1.52 billion arrivals
International tourist arrivals climbed by four per cent year-on-year to approximately 1.52 billion in 2025 — nearly 60 million more travellers than in 2024. The figure marks the strongest performance of the post-pandemic era and sets a new global benchmark for the sector.
Tourism export revenues are estimated to have reached $2.2 trillion (£1.6 trillion), underscoring the industry’s central role in the global economic recovery.
Africa posts strongest regional growth
While Africa’s total of 81 million international arrivals remains lower than Europe and the Americas, the continent recorded the largest percentage increase worldwide, with visitor numbers rising by eight per cent.
North Africa delivered particularly robust results, posting an 11 per cent increase. Morocco — the continent’s most visited destination — saw arrivals jump by 14 per cent, bringing total visitor numbers close to 20 million.
Elsewhere on the continent, several destinations posted double-digit growth. South Africa recorded a 19 per cent rise in arrivals, followed by Ethiopia (+15 per cent), Seychelles (+13 per cent), and both Tunisia and Sierra Leone (each +10 per cent).
Europe retains top spot for visitor numbers
Despite Africa’s rapid growth, Europe remained the world’s most visited region, welcoming 793.5 million international tourists — a four per cent increase from 2024 and six per cent above 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Iceland recorded the highest growth rate in Europe, with arrivals soaring by 29 per cent compared with the previous year.
Asia-Pacific continues steady rebound
The Asia-Pacific region reported the second-fastest growth rate globally at six per cent, bringing total arrivals to 331 million — the second-largest regional total after Europe.
Destinations such as Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives all recorded notable increases in visitor numbers.
Mixed performance across the Americas and Middle East
The Middle East registered three per cent growth, reaching 99.8 million arrivals. Egypt led the region in growth, followed by Jordan, Bahrain and Qatar.
Meanwhile, the Americas recorded more modest growth of one per cent, reaching 218 million international arrivals. Brazil stood out with a 37 per cent surge in visitors, alongside strong gains in Curacao, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Aruba.
Positive outlook for 2026
Notably, no global region recorded a decline or stagnation in tourism numbers during 2025. The UN projects that international tourism will grow by a further three to four per cent in 2026, suggesting that global appetite for travel remains resilient amid economic and political headwinds.