According to the latest barometer released by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, global tourism has reached an unprecedented level for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 1.52 billion international tourists traveling abroad in 2025. This marks a four percent increase from the previous year, exceeding the pre-pandemic record set in 2019 by about 60 million travelers. The rise in tourism signifies a recovery not only in numbers but also in the global tourism industry’s resilience as it adapts to new realities post-pandemic.

The barometer forecasts a steady growth of three to four percent for the year 2026, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflicts around the world. This growth aligns with a return to the approximately five percent annual growth seen in the tourism sector from 2009 to 2019, prior to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. This prediction suggests a strong and resilient recovery trajectory for international travel, which could benefit various regions economically and culturally.

In terms of regional dynamics, Africa has experienced the highest growth rate in tourism, with an impressive eight percent increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, Europe continues to dominate as the most popular travel destination worldwide. This growth highlights shifting patterns in tourism demand and might indicate a broader move towards exploring more exotic and diverse travel experiences, reflecting changing consumer preferences as they re-engage with the world post-pandemic.