The world witnessed a remarkable 5% surge in international tourist arrivals during the first quarter of 2025, with more than 300 million travellers exploring new destinations.

This growth is a testament to the sector’s resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and rising inflation. According to the UN Tourism’s World Tourism Barometer, the Middle East recorded a modest 1% growth compared to 2024, yet arrivals stood an impressive 44% above pre-pandemic levels.

“In every global region, tourism stands out as a major services sector, supporting millions of jobs and businesses of all sizes. The continued good performance in international arrivals combined with stronger visitor spending in many destinations highlights the resilience of the sector in the face of numerous challenges and is good news for economies and workers everywhere.” – Zurab Pololikashvili, UN Tourism Secretary-General

Regional highlights

• The Middle East saw a modest 1% growth in tourism arrivals compared to 2024, but still posted a significant 44% increase above pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter.
• Europe welcomed 125 million international tourists in the first three months of the year, up 2% from Q1 2024, and 5% more than the same period before the pandemic.
• In Southern Mediterranean Europe arrivals increased 2%, reflecting growing demand for off-season travel to some destinations.
• Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+8% over 2024), especially Baltic destinations, though visitor numbers in the subregion remain below 2019 levels.
• Africa recorded 9% growth in arrivals in Q1 2025, compared to 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic traveller numbers by 16%.
• The Americas saw 2% more international arrivals, with several destinations in South America (+13%) enjoying strong results during the Southern Hemisphere summer season.
• Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 12%, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic numbers. North-East Asia saw the strongest performance among world subregions with a 23% rebound in Q1 2025 to reach 91% of 2019 levels.

International air travel demand rose 8% in Q1 of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with international air capacity increasing by 7%, according to IATA. Meanwhile, global accommodation occupancy rates remained steady, reaching 64% in March 2025, similar to 65% in March 2024.

Strong growth in tourism receipts

• Spain, the world’s second largest tourism earner, reported 9% YoY growth in the first two months of 2025, after a remarkable 16% increase in the year 2024.
• In Southern Mediterranean Europe, Türkiye (+7%) posted solid results in Q1 2025, as did Greece, Italy and Portugal (all +4%).
• France recorded 6% growth in international tourism receipts, Norway 20% and Denmark 11%.
• 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, after a 14% increase in the year 2024.

Cautious optimism for the future

Despite global uncertainty, travel demand is expected to remain resilient. The UN Tourism Confidence Index reflects cautious optimism for the period May-August 2025, with 45% of experts expecting better prospects.

However, economic factors, trade tensions, and geopolitical risks may impact international tourism in 2025. As tourists continue to seek value for money, the industry remains vigilant, anticipating potential shifts in travel patterns.