Tourexpi
The USA, France and Canada lead this year’s ranking of
the world’s most-visited destinations, according to the Global eSIM &
Travel Report 2025–2026 released by Holafly at WTM London. They are followed by
Italy, Australia, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and Portugal.
Together, these countries reflect the emotional, cultural and experiential
priorities shaping global travel in 2025, a year in which 44% of travellers
worldwide made at least one international trip.
USA retains the top position despite moderated growth
The United States remains the world’s most-visited
destination, even as growth levels off. Figures from the U.S. Travel
Association show a decline from around 79 million international visitors in
2019 to an expected 68 million in 2025. Nevertheless, the country’s combination
of major cities, national parks, cultural diversity and wide-ranging landscapes
continues to draw travellers in numbers unmatched elsewhere.
France maintains its global appeal through a blend of
heritage, art and style, reaffirming its role as a cultural beacon. Canada
rises strongly this year, offering travellers a compelling mix of nature,
openness and authenticity.
Europe’s enduring icons and long-haul aspirations
Italy and Spain remain cornerstones of European
desirability, attracting visitors with cuisine, landscapes and centuries-old
traditions. Australia’s placement among the top destinations highlights a
sustained appetite for long-haul exploration and outdoor adventure. Germany and
the United Kingdom continue to rank highly as cultural and economic hubs, while
Japan captivates travellers with its interplay of tradition and futurism.
Portugal completes the top ten, emblematic of destinations that feel intimate, characterful
and globally admired.
A year defined by discovery and rising loyalty
Beyond the ranking itself, the report underscores how
travellers are rediscovering the world. Nearly every international traveller
visited at least one new country in 2025, and 46.4% of all international trips
were first-time entries. Yet loyalty is strengthening in parallel: among the
ten most-visited destinations, an average of 74% of travellers intend to
return.
Pablo Gómez observed that travellers in 2025 are
looking for destinations that resonate on a personal level. He noted that
leading countries succeed because they offer diverse experiences across an
entire nation rather than within a single city, enabling visitors “to explore
the full soul of a place.” The report presents a portrait of a traveller who is
not merely crossing borders, but engaging with the world in a more intentional
and human-centred way.
Image
Credit: © Holafly
The most interesting news
Read the News

Delta expands 2027 transatlantic network with four new routes
New services to Reykjavík, Venice, Athens and Paris will strengthen US–Europe connectivity as the airline extends its seasonal flight programme
Read the News

Lufthansa’s first A350-1000 to debut on Munich–Tokyo route
Passenger services begin on 3 December, with Shanghai and Singapore to follow as Lufthansa expands its Allegris-equipped fleet
Read the News

Antalya Welcomes 14 Million Foreign Tourists as Autumn Demand Remains Strong
Türkiye’s Mediterranean tourism hub maintains substantial visitor volumes despite geopolitical tensions and weaker European demand, while preparing to host the COP31 climate conference in November
Read the News

Steigenberger expands Egyptian portfolio with new luxury hotel in Aswan
The Steigenberger Hotel Elephantine Island Aswan is scheduled to open in December 2026 following extensive renovations, strengthening H World International’s partnership with Legacy Hospitality
Read the News

Thailand widens shopping campaign to more South Asian markets
More than 50 partners offer visitor benefits as TAT targets 30,000 participants and at least 244 million baht in tourism revenue
Read the News

TUI River Cruises Expands Fleet and Adds Seine Cruises for Summer 2028
Two purpose-built ships, a new French river destination and 43 itineraries will increase capacity by 26% as TUI River Cruises launches its largest summer programme to date
Read the News

Lufthansa Group Offers €1.025 Billion for Stake in TAP Air Portugal
Portuguese government selects Lufthansa Group's privatization proposal, opening the way for closer integration and stronger air connections between Europe and the Americas
Read the News

ITB Berlin opens 2027 ticket sales with new Orange Pass
Early bird rates run until 14 January, while a premium pass limited to 300 buyers adds lounge access, networking benefits and Berlin public transport
Read the News

Macao tourism forum puts AI, investment and sustainable growth in focus
The 12th Global Tourism Economy Forum will bring international tourism leaders together from October 15 to 17 to discuss changing travel patterns, cross-border connectivity and the future of the visitor economy
Read the News

Holland America Line adds festive dining and offers for 2026 holidays
Seasonal menus, onboard celebrations and selected fare discounts feature across Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year sailings
Read the News

Condor launches daily Berlin–Abu Dhabi flights with Etihad codeshare
The year-round service links Germany’s capital region with the UAE and adds onward connections to Asia, Australia and Africa
Read the News

Booking forecasts more mood-led travel for Australians in 2027
The platform’s annual predictions highlight wellbeing, flexible packages and the growing influence of budgets on group travel
Read the News

Princess Cruises returns to the Amazon with expanded 2028–2029 Americas programme
More than 250 departures will cover the Caribbean, North and South America, Hawaii and Antarctica, including a new 64-day voyage around South America
Read the News

IHG Expands Vignette Collection Across Greater China
New luxury hotels in major cities and leisure destinations combine distinctive design, local cultural experiences and community initiatives
Read the News

Thailand Shifts Tourism Strategy Towards Wellness and Higher-Value Travel
At CNN Global Perspectives in Bangkok, the Tourism Authority of Thailand outlined plans to expand wellness tourism, distribute visitor spending more widely and strengthen tourism’s links with investment and economic development
Read the News

Virgin Atlantic launches direct London–Phuket flights for winter 2026/27
Three weekly services from Heathrow strengthen Thailand’s access to the UK market, supported by a joint tourism campaign that has generated more than 9,000 bookings
Read the News

AMÉRYS Hotel Phu Quoc targets South Korean families with wellness concept
The 113-room Vietnamese island resort opens on 1 November 2026, combining Japanese-designed accommodation, multigenerational wellness facilities and German hotel management
Read the News

Chinese outbound travel grows as longer, multi-destination trips gain ground
Golden Week departures rose 9.3 percent in 2026, while demand for longer journeys, cultural experiences and AI-assisted travel planning increased significantly
Read the News

HBX Group Launches Growth Accelerator to Give Hotels More Control Over Sales
New self-service platform allows hotel partners to target source markets, improve visibility and stimulate bookings through tailored commercial campaigns
Read the News

TransNusa launches Melbourne–Bali flights with onward connections across Asia
The Indonesian airline begins its new Australian route with four weekly services, increasing to daily flights from November 15
Read the News

Hilton expands Bengaluru airport portfolio with 600 new hotel rooms
Conrad Bengaluru Airport and Hilton Bengaluru Airport are scheduled to open in 2030, strengthening the city's luxury hospitality and international meetings market