International Tourist Arrivals Rise 5% in Q1 2025, Surpassing Pre-Pandemic Levels

International

According to the latest World Tourism Barometer published by UN Tourism, international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) grew by 5% in the first quarter of 2025, with more than 300 million travellers crossing borders—an increase of 14 million compared to the same period in 2024.

This figure places Q1 arrivals 3% above pre-pandemic levels in 2019, underscoring the continued resilience of the tourism sector amid ongoing global challenges.

Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, remarked:

“Tourism remains a cornerstone of the global services economy, supporting millions of jobs and businesses. The steady rise in international arrivals and higher visitor spending reflect the sector’s adaptability and positive economic impact worldwide.”

Regional Performance Highlights:

· Europe: 125 million international tourists (+2% vs Q1 2024, +5% vs 2019); strong rebound in Central & Eastern Europe (+8%), while Southern Mediterranean saw modest growth (+2%).

· Africa: +9% growth over Q1 2024; arrivals now stand 16% above 2019 levels.

· Asia and the Pacific: +12% growth, reaching 92% of 2019 levels; North-East Asia led with a 23% rebound.

· Americas: +2% growth overall, driven by South America (+13%) during the Southern Hemisphere summer.

· Middle East: +1% increase from 2024; however, the region remains 44% above pre-pandemic levels.

Air Travel & Accommodation:

Data from IATA shows an 8% rise in international air travel demand in Q1 2025. Global accommodation occupancy averaged 64% in March, steady compared to 2024 levels.

Tourism Receipts Reflect Strong Visitor Spending

Early 2025 saw robust growth in tourism receipts across multiple destinations:

· Spain: +9% (Jan–Feb); following +16% growth in 2024

· Türkiye: +7%, with Greece, Italy, and Portugal each at +4%

· France: +6%; Norway +20%; Denmark +11%

· Japan: +34% in Q1; Nepal +18%; Korea and Mongolia +14%

· USA: +3%, following +14% in 2024

Revised 2024 figures show international tourism export revenues reached a record USD 2.0 trillion, 15% above 2019, accounting for 6% of global exports and 23% of global services trade.

Tourism receipts alone hit USD 1.7 trillion, with average spending per trip rising to USD 1,170.

Key outbound markets such as China (+30%), UK (+16%), Canada (+13%), and Saudi Arabia (+17%) led the spending growth.

Outlook: Mixed Sentiment Amid Global Uncertainty

UN Tourism’s Panel of Experts identified economic headwinds—including slow growth, high travel costs, and rising tariffs—as the top risks for tourism in 2025. Geopolitical tensions and declining consumer confidence also emerged as key concerns.

Despite these factors, the sector is expected to remain resilient, with continued demand for value-for-money, regional, and shorter trips. The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index reflects cautious optimism for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer (May–August 2025):

· 45% of experts expect better or much better performance than 2024

· 33% foresee similar results

· 22% anticipate a decline

UN Tourism maintains its 2025 forecast of 3%–5% growth in international arrivals.

Source: UN Tourism