Tourist arrivals from abroad increased by 5% in the first quarter of 2025
International tourism witnessed a surge in the first quarter of 2025, according to the World Tourism Barometer from the UN's World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Over 300 million tourists traveled internationally during this period, marking a 5% increase compared to the same months in 2024 and a 3% growth compared to 2019, pre-pandemic levels.
The robust performance in international arrivals, despite various geopolitical and trade tensions, high inflation in travel and tourism services, and economic challenges, is a positive sign for the global economy and employment [Source: UNWTO].
Zurab Pololikashvili, the UNWTO Secretary-General, stated that tourism plays a crucial role in supporting millions of jobs and businesses, particularly in every global region. He lauded the sector's resilience in the face of numerous challenges, which is good news for economies and workers worldwide [Source: UNWTO].
Breaking down the data by region and sub-region, Europe welcomed 125 million international tourists, up 2% from the first quarter of 2024 and 5% more than in the same period before the pandemic. Southern Mediterranean Europe, Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa showed notable growth [Source: UNWTO].
Africa recorded a 9% increase in arrivals compared to 2024, growing beyond pre-pandemic levels by 16%. The Americas observed a 2% rise in international arrivals, while the Middle East recorded a 1% growth, although it stood 44% above pre-pandemic levels during the first quarter of the year [Source: UNWTO].
The Asia-Pacific region significantly contributed to the global recovery, with international tourist arrivals reaching 92% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Japan experienced a 23% increase, while Indonesia saw a 7.83% rise in foreign tourist arrivals during the same period [Sources: UNWTO, Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry].
International air travel demand grew by 8% in Q1 2025 versus Q1 2024, and global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 64% in March, about the same level as in March 2024 [Source: IATA].
Available data on international tourism receipts for Q1 2025 indicates solid growth in spending across various destinations, with Spain, Japan, Nepal, the United States, and several European countries showing particularly strong results [Source: UNWTO].
The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index reflects cautious optimism for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer season, with 45% of experts pointing to better or much better prospects for May-August 2025 [Source: UNWTO]. Despite global uncertainty, travel demand is expected to remain resilient, with UNWTO's January projection of 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals for 2025 remaining unchanged [Source: UNWTO].
For more detailed data and industry indicators, visit the UN Tourism Data Dashboard [Source: UNWTO].
- The UNWTO's data shows that tourism finance, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, played a significant role in the global economy's recovery, with Japan experiencing a 23% increase in international tourist arrivals.
- The robust growth in international tourism, as demonstrated by the 5% increase in Q1 2025 compared to 2019, provides evidence of the sector's resilience amidst geopolitical tensions, high travel inflation, and economic challenges.
- The resurgence in international tourism, alongside a 9% increase in African arrivals, beyond pre-pandemic levels by 16%, highlights the sector's crucial impact on lifestyles and business in every global region.
- The UN Tourism Confidence Index, despite global uncertainty, reflects cautious optimism for the upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer season, emphasizing travel's anticipated resilience and continued growth in 2025.
