The global tourism sector achieved a significant recovery in 2025, with international tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) reaching an estimated 1.52 billion, marking a 4% increase—nearly 60 million more than in 2024. This robust performance, detailed in the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, signifies a return to pre-pandemic growth patterns, closely aligning with the average annual 5% increase observed between 2009 and 2019.

This resurgence was propelled by several key factors, including strong demand from major source markets, the continued recovery of destinations in Asia and the Pacific, enhanced air connectivity, and improved visa facilitation processes. Despite prevailing challenges such as persistent inflation in tourism services and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, consumer enthusiasm for travel remained high throughout the year. UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais expressed confidence in sustained growth for 2026, attributing this optimism to a steady global economy and the anticipated full recovery of previously lagging destinations.

Regionally, Africa emerged as the fastest-growing market in 2025, experiencing an impressive 8% increase in arrivals to reach 81 million visitors, with North Africa leading the continent at an 11% growth rate. Asia and the Pacific demonstrated a strong rebound with 6% growth, although arrivals in this region remain 9% below 2019 levels. Europe solidified its position as the world’s largest destination region, welcoming 793 million tourists, representing a 4% rise over 2024 and surpassing 2019 levels by 6%.

The Americas recorded a modest 1% growth in arrivals, with South America (+7%) and Central America (+5%) exhibiting stronger performances compared to other subregions. The Middle East achieved a 3% increase, notably standing 39% above its pre-pandemic levels and nearing 100 million international visitors. Several individual destinations reported remarkable double-digit growth in arrivals, including Brazil (+37%), Egypt (+20%), Morocco (+14%), Seychelles (+13%), and South Africa (+19%). Japan, Bhutan, and Guyana also registered significant gains.

These positive trends were complemented by other favorable industry indicators. International air capacity and passenger traffic both expanded by 7% through October 2025, while global accommodation occupancy reached 66% in November, matching the previous year’s figures. Financially, export revenues from tourism soared to a record USD 2.2 trillion in 2025, with international tourism receipts estimated at USD 1.9 trillion, representing a 5% increase from 2024. Many destinations experienced receipts growing faster than arrivals, with Morocco (+19%), Egypt (+17%), and Mauritius (+10%) reporting robust growth in local currencies. Major tourism economies such as the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Türkiye also enjoyed notable increases in revenue.

Looking forward, international tourism is projected to grow by 3% to 4% in 2026, contingent on the continued recovery of Asia and the Pacific, sustained favorable global economic conditions, and a de-escalation of geopolitical tensions. Major global events like the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2026 are expected to provide further impetus to international travel. However, experts caution that economic factors, elevated travel costs, and persistent geopolitical risks could present challenges, suggesting that tourists will likely continue to prioritize value for money amidst rising service prices.

For Africa’s tourism sector, these outcomes underscore its increasing appeal and resilience, creating new avenues for operators and stakeholders to capitalize on evolving global travel preferences and rising demand. As the sector stabilizes post-disruption, the emphasis will increasingly shift towards innovation, sustainability, and adaptability within a dynamic marketplace.