That figure is 33 million higher than the same period last year, underscoring the sector’s resilience despite global conflicts, extreme weather events and political upheaval.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said the growth was helping local economies and jobs worldwide.
“Yet, this also reminds us of our great responsibility to ensure this growth is sustainable and inclusive and to work with all local stakeholders in that sense,” he added.
Africa posted the strongest performance in the first half of the year, with international arrivals up 12% compared to 2024. Europe, the world’s largest tourism region, welcomed almost 340 million visitors – up 4% year-on-year and 7% above 2019 levels.
In Asia-Pacific, arrivals rose 11%, with North-East Asia leading at 20% growth. Still, the region as a whole remains 8% below 2019 levels.
The Americas grew by 3% overall, with mixed results. South America surged 14%, but North America and the Caribbean saw flat growth due to weaker demand from the U.S. Central America managed a modest 2% rise.
Japan, Vietnam and South Korea were among the top performers, alongside Morocco, Mexico and the Netherlands. France and Spain, the world’s leading destinations, both recorded 5% increases.
Air travel and accommodation data reflected the same momentum. International air traffic grew 7% in the first half of the year, while global hotel occupancy averaged 69% in June, only slightly down on 2024.
Yet challenges persist. UN Tourism experts highlight high transport and accommodation costs as the main obstacles to growth, with “tourism inflation” forecast at 6.8% this year – down from 8% in 2024 but still well above pre-pandemic averages.
Elevated costs may prompt travellers to shorten trips, spend less, or stay closer to home.
Geopolitical tensions, trade tariffs and new travel requirements are also weighing on consumer confidence.
Even so, UN Tourism has kept its forecast of 3–5% growth in international arrivals for 2025, suggesting demand for travel will remain strong through the rest of the year.
