Published on
November 27, 2025
International Tourism Grows 5% in 2025: France, Japan, and Spain Lead the Way as Airlines Like Emirates and Air France See Strong Demand! Travel is surging again — the first half of 2025 saw a 5% rise in global tourist arrivals compared with 2024, and many travellers are heading toward Europe and Asia in record numbers. France, Japan, and Spain are emerging as top magnets once more, as airlines ramp up flights and hotels prepare for a surge. If you’re planning a trip this year, this rebound reshapes what’s possible — from flight options to hotel choices to ideal timing.
International Tourism Grows 5% in 2025: France, Japan, and Spain Lead the Way as Airlines Like Emirates and Air France See Strong Demand!
The travel world is buzzing with excitement as international tourism continues its impressive rebound in 2025. The first nine months of the year saw a remarkable 5% increase in tourist arrivals compared to the same period in 2024. This surge in global travel is being driven by countries like France, Japan, and Spain, which are leading the charge. As travelers flock to these iconic destinations, airlines like Emirates and Air France are seeing strong demand, while the hospitality industry is gearing up for a record-breaking year. Let’s explore the latest travel trends, top destinations, and how airlines and hotels are preparing for this wave of international tourism.
The Surge in Global Travel: A 5% Growth in 2025
International tourism has made an impressive comeback, with over 1.1 billion people traveling abroad in the first nine months of 2025. This marks a 5% increase from 2024 and a solid 3% increase over pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Travelers are once again exploring the world, despite ongoing economic challenges, geopolitical tensions, and rising inflation in travel services. The demand for international travel is stronger than ever, with destinations like France, Japan, and Spain seeing record levels of visitors.
For the airline industry, this translates into rising passenger numbers, more bookings, and increased flights. In particular, airlines like Emirates and Air France are benefiting from this surge in demand. Both carriers are reporting higher passenger volumes, especially for flights to major European and Asian hubs. With the continued growth in global tourism, these airlines are expanding their routes and increasing flight frequencies to meet the needs of travelers.
France, Japan, and Spain Lead the Way in 2025
When it comes to international tourist arrivals, France, Japan, and Spain are among the top-performing countries. France remains the world’s most popular tourist destination, with millions of visitors flocking to its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and picturesque landscapes. In 2024, France welcomed a staggering 102 million international visitors, a figure that is expected to increase in 2025.
Japan, too, has seen a remarkable recovery, with international arrivals reaching nearly 37 million by the end of 2024. The country’s unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations continues to attract travelers from all over the world. Major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain top destinations, while smaller regions are gaining popularity for their authentic experiences and natural beauty.
Spain, another top destination, is experiencing strong growth in tourism, with approximately 94 million international visitors in 2024. The country’s diverse offerings, from the beaches of Costa Brava to the cultural treasures of Madrid and Barcelona, make it an ideal travel destination for a wide range of tourists. Spain’s steady growth in the tourism sector is expected to continue well into 2025, with higher-than-usual arrivals during the summer and holiday seasons.
Airlines Like Emirates and Air France Set to Soar
As international tourism continues to grow, airlines like Emirates and Air France are seeing a significant increase in bookings, particularly on routes to and from high-demand destinations like France, Japan, and Spain. Both airlines have expanded their flight schedules, adding more direct routes and offering increased capacity to meet the rising demand for international travel.
Emirates, based in Dubai, has long been a favorite among travelers for its exceptional service and extensive network of destinations. In 2025, the airline is seeing strong demand for its routes to Europe, especially France and Spain. Emirates offers daily flights to Paris, Madrid, and Barcelona, with convenient connections through its Dubai hub. The airline’s fleet of modern aircraft ensures a comfortable and luxurious travel experience for passengers, with services like private suites, gourmet dining, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems.
Air France, another major player in the global airline industry, is also benefiting from the surge in tourism. With its extensive network of flights to Europe and Asia, Air France has become a preferred choice for travelers heading to destinations like Paris, Lyon, and Tokyo. In 2025, Air France has increased its flight frequencies to major cities, ensuring that passengers have more options when planning their trips. The airline’s commitment to sustainability and exceptional customer service continues to attract tourists, with many choosing Air France for its eco-friendly initiatives and comfortable in-flight experiences.
The Hospitality Industry Prepares for a Record-Breaking Year
The hospitality industry is poised for a strong recovery in 2025, with hotels, resorts, and accommodations seeing a sharp increase in bookings. As international tourism grows, demand for quality accommodations is at an all-time high. In major tourist destinations like Paris, Tokyo, and Barcelona, hotels are filling up quickly, with some even raising their prices during peak travel seasons.
Luxury hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Accor are benefiting from this surge in tourism. Marriott, with its wide portfolio of brands ranging from high-end luxury hotels to more affordable options, is seeing strong demand for its properties in key tourist destinations. In Paris, for example, the Ritz Paris and The St. Regis are among the top choices for affluent travelers, while more budget-conscious tourists are flocking to Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn properties.
Hilton, another global hospitality giant, is also capitalizing on the rise in international travel. The Hilton Paris Opera and Waldorf Astoria Tokyo are seeing high occupancy rates, as travelers flock to these iconic hotels for their luxury offerings and prime locations. Hilton’s ability to cater to a wide range of budgets, from mid-range to ultra-luxury, makes it a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers.
Accor, a major player in the European hotel market, is also experiencing significant growth. With its diverse portfolio of brands like Sofitel, Novotel, and ibis, Accor has properties that cater to every type of traveler. In Spain, Accor’s hotels in Madrid and Barcelona are seeing high demand, with travelers flocking to the Mediterranean coast for beach holidays and cultural exploration.
Travel Tips for Tourists in 2025
As international tourism continues to grow, there are a few things tourists should keep in mind when planning their travels in 2025. With increased demand for flights and accommodations, it’s important to plan ahead and book early to secure the best deals.
- Book Flights in Advance: With airlines experiencing higher demand, flight prices may rise, especially during peak travel seasons. To get the best prices, it’s advisable to book flights at least three to four months in advance.
- Consider Off-Peak Travel: If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and high prices, consider traveling during off-peak seasons. Late spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
- Use Flexible Booking Options: Given the unpredictability of global travel, it’s a good idea to book flights and hotels that offer flexibility. Many airlines and hotels now provide free cancellations or changes to bookings, which can provide peace of mind if travel plans need to be adjusted.
- Explore Lesser-Known Destinations: While France, Japan, and Spain are always popular, there are plenty of hidden gems that offer a similar experience with fewer tourists. Consider exploring regions like Northern Spain, rural Japan, or Provence in France for an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Check for Travel Restrictions: Although the world is recovering from the pandemic, some destinations may still have travel restrictions or requirements in place. Always check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements for your destination before booking your trip.
- Use Airline Apps and Websites for Deals: Airlines like Emirates and Air France often run promotions and sales throughout the year. Signing up for newsletters and monitoring airline websites and apps can help you take advantage of special deals and discounts.
- Be Prepared for Higher Prices: As demand for travel grows, expect to see higher prices for flights and accommodations in popular destinations. However, with a little research and flexibility, you can still find great deals.
Wrapping Up
The surge in international tourism in 2025 is an exciting development for both travelers and the tourism industry. France, Japan, and Spain are leading the way, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. Airlines like Emirates and Air France are benefiting from this growth, with increased demand for flights to these popular destinations. The hospitality industry, from luxury hotels to more affordable accommodations, is also seeing a significant increase in bookings, ensuring that travelers have a wide range of options to choose from.
International tourism is soaring in 2025, with a 5% increase in global arrivals. France, Japan, and Spain are leading the way, and airlines like Emirates and Air France are bracing for a record-breaking travel season—here’s what you need to know!
As a traveler, it’s important to stay informed, plan ahead, and take advantage of the resources available to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether you’re visiting iconic cities or exploring lesser-known destinations, 2025 promises to be a year of exciting opportunities for global travel.
