Despite the disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer published by UN Tourism in May 2026, 307 million travelers made an international trip in the first quarter, representing an increase of 2%.
After growth of 2% in January and 3% in February, momentum slowed due to the effects of the conflict in the Middle East: growth reached only 0.4% in March.
Europe and Africa Drive Growth
With 130 million international visitors, Europe remains the world’s leading tourism destination and posted growth of 4% compared with the first quarter of 2025. Africa also recorded a 4% increase, while Asia-Pacific grew by 3% and the Americas by 2%.
Unsurprisingly, given the tensions in the region, the Middle East recorded a 14% decline.
Despite this annual decline of 14%, tourism in the Middle East remains 21% above its pre-Covid level. Asia-Pacific is the only region that has yet to return to its pre-pandemic level. In the first quarter of 2026, it recorded a number of international trips 11% below its 2019 level:
Among the destinations that recorded growth in arrivals during the first three months of 2026, UN Tourism highlighted Paraguay (+46%), New Caledonia (+45%), El Salvador (+43%), Mongolia (+39%), Palau (+37%) and Uzbekistan (+37%).
U.S. Tourism Shows Signs of Weakening
While international tourism continued to grow in 2025, with 80 million additional international travelers worldwide compared with 2024, the United States recorded a 5.5% decline in foreign visitor arrivals and a 4.6% decrease in international visitor spending.
In Contrast, China’s Tourism Sector Continues to Expand
In 2025, the travel and tourism economy grew by 9.9%, while employment in the sector increased by 2%, reaching 84.6 million jobs.
According to news.cgtn.com, a Chinese television and news outlet, “inbound tourism trips exceeded 150 million, up 17% year-on-year.”
Forecasts Revised Downward
Military confrontations in the Persian Gulf region and disruptions to traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have led UN Tourism to revise its forecasts downward: whereas it had initially projected growth of between 3% and 4% for 2026, it now expects an increase of only 1% to 3%.
Tourism Revenues Remain at Record Levels
International tourism revenues reached $1.9 trillion in 2025, up 4% from the previous year. In real terms, they are now 6% above their pre-pandemic level.
International travelers spent an average of $1,200 per trip in 2025, a figure slightly higher than in 2024.
Sources:
– World Tourism Barometer – May 2026
– International tourism up 2% | UN Tourism
– U.S. tourism | WTTC
– U.S. tourism report | People.com
– China’s inbound trips exceed 150 million | CGTN
