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INSIDER

UNWTO: International tourism up 5% in first half of 2025 despite global
challenges

International tourist arrivals grew 5%
in the first six months of 2025 compared to
the same period of 2024. This is about 4%
above pre-pandemic levels.
All regions recorded growth except
for North America, which was flat, and the
Middle East, albeit from a very strong post-
pandemic rebound.
According to UN Tourism, almost 690
million tourists traveled internationally
between January and June 2025, about 33
million more than in the same period of
2024, though results were mixed among
regions and sub-regions.

The newest edition of the World
Tourism Barometer reports that:
The Americas recorded 3% growth
in January-June 2025, with mixed results
across sub-regions. While South America
(+14%) continued to enjoy solid growth,
Central America saw a 2% increase in
arrivals and North America saw flat results
(+0%) mostly due to small declines in the
United States and Canada. The Caribbean Country highlights According to IATA, both international
(+0%) also saw weaker performance partly Some of the highest growth rates air traffic (RPKs) and international air
due to softening demand from its major among large destinations in the first half capacity (ASKs) grew 7% in January-June
source market, the United States. of 2025 were recorded by Japan and 2025 versus 2024. Global occupancy in
International tourism arrivals grew Vietnam (+21%), the Republic of Korea accommodation establishments reached
by 12% in Africa in January-June 2025 (+15%), Morocco (+19%), Mexico and 69% in June 2025, slightly below 70% in
compared to the same period in 2024. Both the Netherlands (+7%). Malaysia and June 2024. Occupancy reached 71% in July
North Africa (+14%) and Sub-saharan Indonesia both recorded 9% growth and 2025 (same as in July 2024) based on STR
Africa (+11%) recorded double-digit Hong Kong (China) 7%, though arrivals data.
growth. remained somewhat below 2019 levels in UN Tourism also reports that 2024
Europe welcomed nearly 340 million these destinations. international tourism spending grew 11%
international tourists in the first half of The world’s top destinations, France to a record US$1,734 billion, about 14%
2025, about 4% more than in 2024 and (+5% through May) and Spain (+5%), above pre-pandemic levels (real terms)
7% more than in 2019. Northern, Western also recorded solid growth in arrivals this reflecting already strong visitor spending
and Southern Mediterranean Europe period. around the world last year.
all recorded 3% growth despite uneven
monthly results. Central and Eastern
Europe continued to rebound strongly Editor/Publisher: Lois R. Pasternak
(+9%), but remained 11% below 2019 In Memoriam: Paul A. Pasternak
levels, according to data. Executive Editor: Michael Pasternak
The Middle East recorded 4% fewer Editorial Contributors: John Gallagher
arrivals than in 2024. Nevertheless, this is Production Coordinator & Designer: Chris Hetzer
29% more arrivals than the same period of Design and Production: It’s About Time, Inc.
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to 2019. This publication is a special supplement of Travel Markets Insider, published
Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew by Pasternak Communications, Inc., 255 NE 3rd Ave No. 312, Delray Beach,
11% this period, which is 92% of the pre- FL. 33444 USA. www.travelmarketsinsider.net
E-mail: parsnip5@aol.com, editor@travelmarketsinsider.net
pandemic figure (-8% compared to 2019). Tel (954) 261-8653
North-East Asia (+20%) saw the strongest Travel Markets Insider is a weekly newsletter distributed 50 times a year
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remained 8% below 2019 levels. © 2025 by Pasternak Communications, Inc.

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