International travel worldwide rises by 4 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year, according to the latest findings of the World Travel Monitor® by IPK International, released shortly before ITB Berlin from 3 to 5 March 2026.
The data signals continued stability in global tourism, with growth returning to single digits and approaching pre-pandemic levels. Holidays account for nearly three-quarters of all international trips, while business travel rebounds strongly and reaches 2019 levels for the first time.
The report highlights regional differences in outbound travel. European outbound travel increases by 4 percent, matching the global average, while Asia records moderate growth of 5 percent. North America registers a slight decline of minus 1 percent, although the United States remains the world’s leading source market for international travel, ahead of Germany and the UK. South America posts the strongest performance, with outbound travel surging by 11 percent, driven mainly by intracontinental trips.
The findings, presented in the run-up to ITB Berlin, confirm that the strong recovery phase of recent years continues, but at a more measured pace. International tourism growth is now stabilising, with increases firmly back in single digits.
Holiday trips dominate the market in 2025, representing almost three-quarters of all international journeys and expanding by 4 percent year on year. Sun and beach holidays remain the most popular segment, reflected in Spain once again recording the highest number of international trips. Round trips and nature breaks achieve above-average growth, while event and wellness travel declines slightly.
Business travel grows by 6 percent in 2025, outperforming the overall market. Within this segment, MICE travel records particularly strong growth of 8 percent, marking a full return to 2019 levels.
The report also shows travellers are staying longer and spending more. The average duration of international trips rises slightly to around 9 nights, largely due to the recovery of long-haul travel and a high proportion of air journeys. Rail travel records above-average growth, standing out as a notable trend.
Spending per trip increases by 5 percent year on year, with accommodation accounting for the largest share. On average, transport represents about one-quarter of total travel expenditure, while smaller proportions are spent on food and activities at destinations.
IPK’s Destination Performance Index, based on traveller satisfaction, recommendation and intention to return, identifies Dubai as the top-performing destination in 2025, ahead of Abu Dhabi, the Bahamas and Brazil. In Dubai, service, accommodation and weather receive the highest ratings, while sustainability receives comparatively lower scores in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In Europe, Switzerland leads the rankings, closely followed by Austria, with both destinations achieving above-average results for landscape and nature.
The latest figures underline a stabilised but resilient international travel market heading into 2026, with holidays remaining the core driver and regional shifts shaping the global tourism landscape.
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