Global Tourism Soars 5% in H1 2025, Reports UN Tourism Authority
International tourist arrivals have experienced a remarkable surge, with a 5% growth in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. This increase has surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 4%, as reported by the UN Tourism. A total of nearly 690 million people traveled abroad between January and June, which is an increase of 33 million from 2024. However, the results varied significantly by region, highlighting the diverse trends in global tourism, as detailed in the latest World Tourism Barometer.
“In the face of global challenges, international tourism continues to see strong momentum and resilience,” stated UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili. “This growth contributes to local economies, jobs and livelihoods, but it also reminds us of our responsibility to ensure it is sustainable and inclusive.”
Regional Performance Overview
According to the statistics compiled by the UN body, different regions have shown varying degrees of growth:
- Africa: Recorded the strongest growth at 12% year-on-year. North Africa posted a remarkable 14% increase, while sub-Saharan Africa saw an 11% rise.
- Europe: Welcomed approximately 340 million visitors, marking a 4% increase from 2024 and a 7% increase above 2019 levels. Northern, Western, and Southern Mediterranean Europe each grew by 3%, while Central and Eastern Europe rose by 9% but remained 11% below 2019.
- The Americas: Overall increase of 3%, primarily driven by a 14% growth in South America. Central America rose by 2%, while North America and the Caribbean saw flat growth, influenced by weaker demand from the United States.
- Asia and the Pacific: Experienced an 11% rise, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic levels. North-East Asia led this growth with a 20% increase compared to 2024, yet remains 8% below 2019 levels. Notable gains were seen in Japan, Vietnam, and Morocco, each recording double-digit increases.
- The Middle East (West Asia): Encountered a 4% decline after a strong rebound in previous years but still recorded 29% more arrivals than in 2019, marking the highest recovery rate relative to pre-pandemic levels.
Air Travel and Hotel Occupancy Trends
In addition to the rise in tourist arrivals, international air traffic and capacity have also grown, rising by 7% in the first six months of the year, as reported by IATA. The global hotel occupancy rate stood at 69% in June and 71% in July, showing little change from 2024.
Future Outlook for International Tourism
Looking ahead, UN Tourism’s confidence index for September through December increased to 120 from 114 in the previous four months. This suggests a positive outlook, with half of the surveyed experts anticipating stronger results for the remainder of the year. The agency has maintained its January forecast of a 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals for 2025.
As global travel continues to rebound, it is crucial for stakeholders in the tourism industry to focus on sustainable practices that support local economies and promote responsible tourism. The recent growth trends should encourage policymakers and businesses to foster an inclusive environment that accommodates the needs of travelers while safeguarding cultural and natural resources.
In conclusion, the international tourism sector is showing significant resilience and recovery as it navigates through the complexities of a post-pandemic world. With diverse growth patterns across various regions, the industry is set to continue its upward trajectory, contributing to global economic stability and the revitalization of communities worldwide.
