An estimated 1.52 billion international tourists were recorded globally in 2025, almost 60 million more than in 2024.
This represents a four per cent increase, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer released by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism).
This growth reflects a return to the long-term trend seen between 2009 and 2019, when international arrivals typically rose by around five per cent annually.
Improved flight connectivity, easier visa rules and strong consumer demand were key contributors to this progress, even amid persistent global challenges such as inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainty.
Further good news for Australia with the Asia Pacific region continuing to be a significant driver of global tourism growth in 2025.
According to the Barometer, international arrivals in the region reached approximately 331 million, a six per cent rise compared with the previous year.
While these numbers remain slightly below pre-pandemic levels (about nine per cent lower than in 2019) the trajectory points to sustained recovery and expansion.
North-east Asia was a standout sub-region, with double-digit growth in tourist arrivals (around 13 per cent) as major markets and others benefited from renewed travel flows.
Bhutan (+30%), Sri Lanka (+17%) and the Maldives (+10%) were among the best performers in the region. Large destinations Japan (+17%) and Korea (+15%) also saw double-digit growth through November.
South Asia also returned to pre-pandemic levels, adding further momentum to the region’s resurgence.
Experts attribute this rebound to a combination of factors, including the easing of travel restrictions, expanded air routes, and rising outbound tourism from emerging Asian source markets.
These dynamics have helped attract both intra-regional and long-haul visitors, bolstering local tourism economies.
The report suggests that tourism revenues have also kept pace with the uptick in arrivals, contributing significantly to global economic activity.
Although final 2025 receipts data is still being analysed, earlier projections indicate strong spending trends in several Asian destinations, underlining tourism’s growing role as an economic engine in the region and globally.
Monthly data shows strong visitor spending throughout 2025, with preliminary estimates pointing at $US1.9 trillion in international tourism receipts globally, a five per cent increase from 2024.
Looking ahead, UN Tourism’s confidence index signals continued optimism among industry stakeholders, with many expecting further improvement in 2026.
International tourism is expected to grow 3% to 4% next year, assuming that Asia and the Pacific continues to recover, global economic conditions remain favourable, tourism service inflation continues to decline and geopolitical conflicts do not escalate
