UN Tourism reports 4% growth in global tourism for 2025

 UN Tourism indicated that international Tourists arrival released this week indicated that arrivals increased by 4 %. The growth in international tourism has also been welcomed by Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa).

UN Tourism said that international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) grew by 4% in 2025, as most destinations worldwide posted solid results. “According to the first World Tourism Barometer of the year, an estimated 1.52 billion international tourists were recorded globally in 2025, almost 60 million more than in 2024.”

UN Tourism added that these numbers reflect a return to pre-pandemic growth trends, closer to the 5% average increase per year between 2009 and 2019. “Results were driven by strong demand, robust performance from large source markets and the ongoing recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific. Increased air connectivity and enhanced visa facilitation also supported international travel in 2025.”

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais said demand for travel remained high throughout 2025, despite high inflation in tourism services and uncertainty from geopolitical tensions. “We expect this positive trend to continue into 2026 as the global economy is expected to remain steady and destinations still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels fully recover.”

The UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer indicated  that Europe, the world’s largest destination region, recorded 793 million international tourists in 2025, a 4% increase from 2024 and 6% more than in 2019. “Western Europe (+5%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%) saw robust performance. Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+6%) though arrivals remained 9% below 2019 levels.”

UN Tourism added that the Americas (218 million) recorded 1% growth last year, with mixed results across subregions. “After a strong first half of 2025, the region saw small declines in Q3 and Q4, partly due to weak results in the United States. South America (+7%) and Central America (+5%) led the results by subregion. Some destinations in the Caribbean (+0%) were affected by Hurricane Melissa in the last quarter of the year.”

UN Tourism said that Africa (81 million) saw an 8% increase in arrivals in 2025, with particularly strong results in North Africa (+11%). “The Middle East recorded 3% growth in 2025, equivalent to 39% above pre-pandemic levels, the strongest results relative to 2019. The region virtually reached the mark of 100 million international visitors in 2025.”

Gustav Pieterse, the chairperson of Fedhasa Inland: said that number indicates that tourism number close to pre- Covid 19 numbers. “UN Tourism’s global numbers (the 4% growth recorded in 2025) reflect a return to pre-pandemic growth trends, closer to the 5% average increase per year between 2009 and 2019.We need to be mindful that South Africa, as a whole, is not there yet. Good progress has been made, but our competitors are ahead. A lot of the industry is returning to peak pre-Covid levels but unfortunately, while some areas in SA have reached the pre-Covid mark, others have really struggled to get there.  But on average, the numbers look promising and that is something the entire industry can be excited about.”

Pieterse added that South Africa, along with other destinations in Africa, has always been a bucket list destination for once-off, Big 5 safari holidays – but in reality, we have so much more to offer, including unmatched cultural and culinary experiences. “We have vastly different climates and landscapes across South Africa and that’s before you even tap into the rest of Africa! And it’s gratifying to see that people are trusting in travel again, trusting in Africa, in spite of perceptions around safety, health and infrastructure, and hugely encouraging that tourists consider South Africa a destination of choice. It invigorates economies, stimulates an interest in – and understanding of – Africa, and plays a role in our general international standing.”

Pieterse said hopefully, the new digital visa and Trusted Tour Operator Scheme will increase international visitor numbers. “The industry has to work hard to spread international arrivals out beyond the two epicentres of Cape Town and Mpumalanga. South Africa also needs to host large conferences, conventions, events and international gatherings.When this happens – the tourism industry thrives! It amplifies the number of people who get to experience South Africa and see how wonderful it is.”

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