Published on
November 29, 2025
France, Spain, Mexico, the United States, and Italy are among the major destinations driving a historic global tourism rebound, as UN Tourism confirmed that international tourist arrivals surpassed 1.1 billion between January and September 2025. Drawing solely from official data published on the UN Tourism (UNWTO) website, the organization reported that global mobility has nearly returned to 2019 levels, signalling one of the strongest travel years on record. With Europe capturing more than half of all arrivals, and both the Middle East and the Americas experiencing strong growth, the worldwide travel sector is once again powering economies, supporting local jobs, and reshaping travel patterns for 2026.
Global Tourism Nears Full Recovery, Says UN Tourism
According to the latest World Tourism Barometer issued by UN Tourism—cited directly from its government-recognized official website—the first nine months of 2025 marked a near-complete global recovery. International travel reached approximately 95% of pre-pandemic levels, with several regions even surpassing their 2019 performance.
The recovery has been fueled by stable aviation capacity, stronger destination marketing, simplified visa procedures, and increased spending from major outbound markets such as the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. UN Tourism highlighted that improving consumer confidence and expanded air connectivity have played a major role in lifting demand.
Europe Holds the Crown: Over 610 Million Visitors
Europe — home to the world’s highest number of globally recognized tourist hotspots — accounted for about 55% of all arrivals, registering more than 610 million travelers.
Countries leading the resurgence include:
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Germany
- Greece
- Austria
- Türkiye (Turkey)
These destinations continue to attract travelers through world-class cultural sites, improved transport networks, and government-led initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism.
UN Tourism notes that Europe has benefited from robust intra-European mobility, strong demand from North American travelers, and continued recovery from Asian markets.
EUROPE — Travel Cost & Practical Information Table
| Destination | Avg Round-Trip Airfare (USD) | Avg Daily Travel Cost (USD) | Best Time to Visit | Top Attractions | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paris, France | $650–$900 | $180–$260 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Eiffel Tower, Louvre | Book museums early; use Metro passes |
| Barcelona, Spain | $550–$850 | $150–$230 | Apr–Jun, Sep | Sagrada Família | Stay near Eixample; avoid peak heat |
| Rome, Italy | $600–$950 | $160–$240 | Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov | Colosseum, Vatican | Buy Roma Pass; explore on foot |
| Istanbul, Turkey | $500–$780 | $90–$140 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque | Ferry between Europe–Asia; try street food |
| Athens, Greece | $580–$820 | $120–$180 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Acropolis, Plaka | Island day trips; avoid midday crowds |
| Vienna, Austria | $620–$880 | $170–$240 | Apr–Jun, Dec | Schönbrunn Palace | Use Vienna Card for transport |
Americas Deliver Strong Growth: Nearly 185 Million Travelers
The Americas welcomed nearly 185 million international tourists in the same period.
The United States remains one of the world’s most powerful tourism drivers, supported by:
- Expanding air service routes
- Strong inbound demand from Europe and the Middle East
- Increased spending per visitor
- Major event-driven travel in 2025
Mexico, long among the world’s top destinations, continues to attract high-volume leisure travelers due to its beaches, culture, and year-round accessibility. Countries like Canada, Brazil, and Colombia also posted strong arrivals, supported by simplified entry processes and enhanced regional connectivity.
AMERICAS — Travel Cost & Practical Information Table
| Destination | Avg Round-Trip Airfare (USD) | Avg Daily Travel Cost (USD) | Best Time to Visit | Top Attractions | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York, USA | $450–$700 (regional), $900+ (international) | $220–$320 | Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct | Statue of Liberty, Times Square | Get MetroCard; book attractions early |
| Cancún, Mexico | $350–$650 | $130–$200 | Dec–Apr | Beaches, Mayan Ruins | All-inclusive resorts offer value |
| Los Angeles, USA | $450–$700 | $210–$300 | Mar–Jun, Sep | Hollywood, Santa Monica | Rent a car for convenience |
| Toronto, Canada | $400–$650 | $170–$240 | May–Sep | CN Tower, Niagara Falls | Toronto CityPASS is useful |
| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | $650–$950 | $110–$170 | Dec–Mar | Christ the Redeemer | Keep belongings safe; use official taxis |
Asia–Pacific Accelerates: 190 Million Visitors and Rising
UN Tourism highlighted that Asia–Pacific has entered a phase of accelerated recovery, particularly as border policies have normalized and aviation frequencies have been restored. The region recorded around 190 million international tourists, driven by major travel powerhouses such as:
- Japan
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- China
- Vietnam
Although the region has not yet reached 2019 levels, UN Tourism confirms that visitor numbers increased sharply throughout 2025 and are expected to surpass previous highs in 2026 as outbound and inbound travel from China resumes at full scale.
ASIA–PACIFIC — Travel Cost & Practical Information Table
| Destination | Avg Round-Trip Airfare (USD) | Avg Daily Travel Cost (USD) | Best Time to Visit | Top Attractions | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo, Japan | $750–$1,200 | $160–$220 | Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov | Shibuya, Senso-ji, Mt. Fuji | Get IC card; cash useful |
| Bangkok, Thailand | $550–$850 | $70–$120 | Nov–Feb | Grand Palace, Markets | Use Grab; avoid common scams |
| Singapore | $650–$1,000 | $200–$300 | Feb–Apr | Marina Bay, Sentosa | Excellent MRT; tap-and-go payments |
| Seoul, South Korea | $650–$900 | $120–$180 | Apr–May, Sep–Oct | Palaces, Myeongdong | T-Money for transit; free tours |
| Bali, Indonesia | $600–$950 | $60–$110 | Jul–Sep | Ubud, Beaches, Temples | Rent scooter; avoid rainy season |
Middle East Emerges as Fastest-Growing Region
The Middle East recorded approximately 65 million international arrivals, making it the fastest-growing region compared to pre-pandemic levels.
UN Tourism attributes this growth to:
- Large-scale tourism infrastructure investments
- Major aviation expansion from GCC carriers
- Mega-events in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar
- New visa-on-arrival and electronic travel authorization facilities
Destinations like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar have rapidly increased market share by promoting both leisure and religious tourism.
MIDDLE EAST — Travel Cost & Practical Information Table
| Destination | Avg Round-Trip Airfare (USD) | Avg Daily Travel Cost (USD) | Best Time to Visit | Top Attractions | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai, UAE | $550–$850 | $180–$260 | Nov–Mar | Burj Khalifa, Desert Safari | Dress modestly; use Metro |
| Abu Dhabi, UAE | $550–$850 | $170–$240 | Nov–Mar | Sheikh Zayed Mosque | Pre-book mosque entry |
| Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | $600–$900 | $160–$230 | Oct–Mar | Diriyah, Sky Bridge | Quick eVisa; conservative dress |
Africa Shows Steady Recovery Across Its Regions
Africa welcomed nearly 50 million international travelers, with North Africa outperforming the continental average. Official UN Tourism reporting cites that enhanced connectivity, diversified visitor offerings, and government-backed tourism strategies continue to strengthen the sector.
Leading African destinations include:
- Egypt
- Morocco
- South Africa
- Kenya
UN Tourism highlighted that African governments have been working closely with airlines, global hotel brands, and regional tourism boards to support long-term expansion.
AFRICA — Travel Cost & Practical Information Table
| Destination | Avg Round-Trip Airfare (USD) | Avg Daily Travel Cost (USD) | Best Time to Visit | Top Attractions | Travel Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo, Egypt | $500–$820 | $70–$120 | Oct–Apr | Pyramids, Egyptian Museum | Hire licensed guides |
| Cape Town, South Africa | $700–$1,100 | $110–$170 | Nov–Mar | Table Mountain, Winelands | Uber safe; avoid late-night walking |
| Marrakech, Morocco | $500–$750 | $80–$140 | Mar–May, Sep–Nov | Medina, Majorelle Garden | Haggle respectfully |
| Nairobi, Kenya | $650–$950 | $90–$150 | Jun–Oct | Safari parks, Giraffe Centre | Book safaris early; reputable guides |
Top Countries Driving the 1.1 Billion Global Arrivals
Based strictly on rankings officially recognized by UN Tourism, the top global tourism destinations in 2025 are:
- France
- Spain
- United States
- Italy
- Turkey
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Greece
- Austria
Additional countries with strong upward movement include:
- Japan
- Thailand
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- China
- Portugal
- Netherlands
- Vietnam
These nations significantly contributed to the global total of over 1.1 billion arrivals.
UN Tourism Emphasizes Sustainable Growth
UN Tourism’s latest statement highlighted that the rapid rebound reflects the industry’s resilience, but further emphasized the importance of sustainability.
Governments are being encouraged to:
- Strengthen green travel initiatives
- Expand digital visa systems
- Improve tourism workforce training
- Adopt climate-resilient infrastructure
- Protect cultural heritage sites
The agency states that tourism remains one of the most powerful economic engines worldwide — contributing billions in revenue and supporting millions of jobs.
Travelers Regain Their World
As 2025 moves toward its final quarter, UN Tourism’s official data paints a global picture of renewed movement, renewed curiosity, and renewed human connection. Whether it is travelers rediscovering European cobblestone streets, exploring Middle Eastern heritage landmarks, or seeking nature and tranquility across Asia and Africa, the world is proving that its desire to travel is stronger than ever.
The surge of more than 1.1 billion tourists in just nine months reflects not only economic momentum but a deeper collective wish to reconnect with people and places after years of uncertainty. And as governments continue to refine policies and expand sustainable pathways, the global travel landscape in 2026 is poised to become even more dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring.
