UN Tourism reports 300 million global trips in Q1 2025, marking a 5% increase over the same period in 2024 and a 3% rise compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
The May 2025 edition of the World Tourism Barometer reveals a resilient and expanding tourism sector despite persistent challenges like geopolitical tensions, inflation, and rising travel costs.
Global Travel Growth Defies Headwinds
The growth in international arrivals highlights the sector’s durability. According to Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, “tourism stands out as a major services sector in every global region,” supporting millions of jobs and small businesses. The first quarter surge reflects both pent-up demand and increased visitor spending across numerous destinations.
Tourism is bouncing back stronger than expected, with notable improvements in both arrivals and receipts. Despite inflation and global uncertainties, travelers are continuing to explore the world at near-record levels.
Regional Performance: Asia and Africa Lead the Way
The World Tourism Barometer outlines regional highlights based on Q1 2025 data:
| Region | Growth vs. Q1 2024 | Compared to 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | +2% | +5% |
| Asia & Pacific | +12% | 92% of 2019 levels |
| North-East Asia | +23% | 91% of 2019 levels |
| Africa | +9% | +16% |
| Americas | +2% | Not specified |
| Middle East | +1% | +44% |
Southern Mediterranean Europe saw 2% more arrivals, while Central and Eastern Europe recorded an 8% increase over 2024. In Africa, international arrivals not only increased by 9% year-over-year but also surpassed 2019 levels by 16%, showcasing the continent’s growing appeal.
Visitor Spending and Receipts Surge
Tourism receipts reflected strong growth globally in Q1 2025. Spain saw a 9% increase in the first two months, adding to its 16% rise in 2024. Türkiye posted 7% growth, while France, Greece, Italy, and Portugal each saw gains of around 4–6%.
Asia-Pacific countries experienced a significant boost in visitor spending:
- Japan: +34%
- Nepal: +18%
- Republic of Korea: +14%
- Mongolia: +14%
The United States, the world’s top tourism earner, registered a 3% rise in tourism receipts during Q1 2025 after a 14% gain in 2024. Revised figures show that total international tourism export revenues reached a record USD 2.0 trillion in 2024, equivalent to 6% of global exports and 23% of total services trade.
Receipts from international tourism alone hit USD 1.7 trillion, with average spending per trip rising to USD 1,170 in 2024—well above the pre-pandemic average of USD 1,000.
Optimism with Caution
According to the latest UN Tourism Confidence Index, 45% of experts anticipate better or much better performance in the upcoming May–August 2025 period. However, 22% expect weaker results, and 33% foresee similar outcomes to last summer.
Key risks identified by the UN Tourism Panel of Experts include:
- Weaker global economic growth
- High travel costs and inflation
- Rising tariffs and trade tensions
- Lower consumer confidence
- Unpredictable geopolitical developments
Despite these risks, global demand for travel remains resilient. Tourists are expected to favor value-for-money destinations, opt for shorter or closer-to-home trips, and maintain strong interest in travel experiences. UN Tourism’s January 2025 forecast of 3%–5% growth in international arrivals remains unchanged, affirming the sector’s recovery trajectory.
