Europe once again led as the main receiving region, with 793 million international arrivals, 4% more than in 2024 and 6% above 2019 levels. Destinations in the west and south of the continent showed particularly dynamic performance, while Central and Eastern Europe continued its recovery process, although still below pre-pandemic figures. Countries such as Iceland, Uzbekistan, Norway, and Cyprus stood out with double-digit growth, and major established destinations such as Spain also reported significant gains.
Africa was the region with the strongest pace of relative expansion, with an 8% increase in arrivals, driven above all by North Africa. Morocco, the leading African destination, came close to the 20 million mark in international visitors, while countries such as South Africa, Ethiopia, and Seychelles also posted notable results. The Middle East likewise maintained solid performance, with figures well above those of 2019, consolidating its position as one of the most resilient regions in the post-pandemic period.
Asia and the Pacific continued their gradual recovery with 6% growth, now reaching 91% of pre-health crisis levels. North-East Asia led the region’s expansion, with destinations such as Japan and the Republic of Korea posting double-digit increases, while countries such as Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives also stood out for their dynamism. In the Americas, growth was more moderate, at 1%, shaped by a weaker second half of the year in some major source markets, although South America and Central America recorded more vigorous performance.
Growth was not limited to arrivals; it was also strongly reflected in tourism spending. International tourism receipts reached record levels, estimated at around USD 1.9 trillion in 2025, while total tourism export revenues, including passenger transport, stood at approximately USD 2.2 trillion. In many destinations, receipts grew faster than arrivals, pointing to higher average spending per traveler and demand increasingly oriented toward higher value-added experiences.
Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook points to another year of growth, albeit in a context still shaped by uncertainty. International arrivals are expected to increase by between 3% and 4%, supported by Asia’s full recovery, improved air connectivity, and the expansion of outbound travel from emerging markets. However, the evolution of geopolitical conflicts, inflation in tourism services, and consumer confidence will remain decisive factors for the sector’s trajectory. Overall, international tourism is reaffirming itself as one of the most dynamic engines of the global economy, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for adaptation and resilience.
