Results by destination confirm that recovery remains uneven. In Africa, countries such as The Gambia (+46%), Morocco (+22%) and Ethiopia (+7%) stood out. In South America, Paraguay (+53%), Brazil and Chile (+48%) were among the top performers, while Mexico saw a 6% increase in international arrivals. In Europe, North Macedonia (+22%), Lithuania (+21%) and Malta (+19%) showed strong momentum.
Asia and the Pacific continues its recovery, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic levels. Japan led the growth in the region with a 23% increase in arrivals, boosted by the yen’s depreciation, which has attracted more visitors from Europe and North America. Mongolia (+19%), South Korea (+14%) and Laos (+11%) also recorded notable gains.
Regarding international tourism receipts, early 2025 data show positive momentum. In the first quarter, destinations such as Japan (+34%), Nepal (+18%), South Korea and Mongolia (+14%) saw significant increases in visitor spending. In Europe, Spain reported a 9% increase in receipts for January and February, France 6%, and Norway a notable 20%. Türkiye, Greece, Italy and Portugal also posted solid growth.
This growth in receipts follows a historic 2024, when international tourism revenues reached USD 1.7 trillion, 15% above 2019 levels. Average spending per trip stood at USD 1,170, surpassing the pre-pandemic average of USD 1,000. In total, export revenues generated by international tourism —including passenger transport— hit a record USD 2 trillion, accounting for 6% of total global exports and 23% of world trade in services.
Despite this positive environment, the Barometer also highlights ongoing challenges. According to the latest UN Tourism Panel of Experts survey, economic concerns —such as moderate growth and high travel costs— and the recent rise in tariffs are among the main risks. Trade tensions are beginning to affect consumer confidence, with 25% of experts predicting negative impacts on international travel.
The outlook for the Northern Hemisphere’s summer season (May–August 2025) reflects cautious optimism, with a Confidence Index score of 114 on a scale of 0 to 200, down from 130 in the same period of 2024. About 45% of experts anticipate better performance, compared to 22% expecting worse outcomes than the previous year.
Experts also identified a clear trend among consumers toward prioritising value for money, taking shorter trips closer to home, and favouring destinations where exchange rates are more favourable. In this regard, the depreciation of currencies such as the Japanese yen, Turkish lira, Egyptian pound, or Argentine peso could make those destinations more price-attractive. On the other hand, the appreciation of the euro against the US dollar (about 15% since January) may increase travel costs for US tourists heading to eurozone destinations, while making euro trips more affordable for European travellers abroad.
In terms of transport, international air traffic grew 8% in the first quarter of 2025, already 6% above 2019 levels. Asia-Pacific (+14%) and Latin America (+9%) led the growth in international revenue passenger kilometres. Hotel occupancy worldwide reached 67% in April, with Europe and Asia-Pacific recording the highest occupancy rates at 69% and 68%, respectively.
In summary, the global tourism landscape in 2025 combines strong signs of growth with significant challenges stemming from the global economy and trade tensions. UN Tourism maintains its forecast of 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals for the full year, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of the tourism sector in a complex global context.
