Is Global Tourism on the Rise According to UN Tourism?
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Synopsis
A recent report from UN Tourism reveals that global tourist arrivals are on the rise, with over 1.1 billion international trips made in 2025. The Asia-Pacific region leads the recovery, with Africa and Europe also showing significant growth. However, North America faces a slight decline. What does this mean for the future of tourism?
Key Takeaways
- International tourist arrivals increased to over 1.1 billion in 2025.
- Asia-Pacific sees an 8% rise in arrivals.
- Africa shows strong growth, with North Africa up 11%.
- Europe remains the largest destination, welcoming 625 million arrivals.
- North America experiences a slight decline.
- UN Tourism projects 3-5% growth for the year.
Madrid, Nov 28 (NationPress) Recent statistics from UN Tourism indicate that international tourist arrivals have continued to rise in 2025.
The organization, headquartered in Madrid, shared in its quarterly World Tourism Barometer that over 1.1 billion individuals traveled internationally during the first three quarters of the year, marking an increase of approximately 5 percent compared to the same timeframe in 2024, as reported by Xinhua.
The Asia-Pacific region experienced an 8 percent growth in arrivals from January to September, continuing its recovery from the pandemic, although figures are still about 10 percent lower than the levels recorded in 2019.
Strong growth was also observed in international arrivals to Africa, with North Africa increasing by 11 percent and Sub-Saharan Africa by 10 percent. Meanwhile, Europe retained its status as the leading global destination region, welcoming 625 million arrivals during the first nine months of 2025, which is a 4 percent rise year-on-year.
In contrast, North America saw a slight decline of around 1 percent, while South America grew by 9 percent and Central America by 3 percent, driven by robust demand in various locations.
UN Tourism's Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated, "International tourism has shown consistent growth in 2025 regarding international arrivals and, notably, in revenue, despite the challenges posed by high inflation in tourism services and geopolitical tensions. Africa and Europe particularly shine in their results."
The organization projects a growth rate of 3-5 percent for the entirety of 2025, while acknowledging that geopolitical uncertainties and rising costs pose potential risks to the industry's future.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the positive trajectory of international tourism growth in 2025, despite the challenges faced by various regions. The data released by UN Tourism signals a significant recovery, particularly for Asia-Pacific and Africa. This upward trend emphasizes the resilience of the tourism sector, which remains vital for economies worldwide.
NationPress
28/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the latest statistics on international tourism?
According to UN Tourism, over 1.1 billion international trips were made in the first nine months of 2025, representing a 5 percent increase from the same period in 2024.
Which regions are experiencing the highest growth in tourist arrivals?
The Asia-Pacific region saw an 8 percent increase, while Africa's North and Sub-Saharan regions increased by 11 and 10 percent, respectively.
How does this growth compare to pre-pandemic levels?
Despite the growth, the Asia-Pacific arrivals are still about 10 percent below the levels recorded in 2019.
What does UN Tourism project for the future?
UN Tourism forecasts a growth rate of 3-5 percent for the entire year of 2025, though potential risks from geopolitical uncertainties and inflation remain.
Is the tourism sector recovering from the pandemic?
Yes, international tourism is showing signs of recovery with increased arrivals, especially in Africa and Europe.
