Latest news with #WorldTourismBarometer
Hospitality Net
5 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
International Tourist Arrivals Grew 5% in Q1 2025
International tourist arrivals (overnight visitors) increased by 5% in the first quarter of 2025 though results were mixed among regions and sub-regions. According to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, over 300 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of 2025, about 14 million more than in the same months of 2024. That represents a 5% rise on last year and is 3% more than in pre-pandemic year 2019. The robust performance came despite the sector facing a range of geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as high inflation in travel and tourism services. In every global region, tourism stands out as a major services sector, supporting millions of jobs and businesses of all sizes. The continued good performance in international arrivals combined with stronger visitor spending in many destinations highlights the resilience of the sector in the face of numerous challenges and is good news for economies and workers everywhere. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili Africa shows solid results, while Asia Pacific rebounds strongly The World Tourism Barometer breaks down the data for the first quarter of 2025 by region and sub-region. Key highlights show: Europe welcomed 125 million international tourists in the first three months of the year, up 2% from Q1 2024, and 5% more than the same period before the pandemic. welcomed 125 million international tourists in the first three months of the year, up 2% from Q1 2024, and 5% more than the same period before the pandemic. In Southern Mediterranean Europe arrivals increased 2%, reflecting growing demand for off-season travel to some destinations. Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+8% over 2024), especially Baltic destinations, though visitor numbers in the subregion remain below 2019 levels. Africa recorded 9% growth in arrivals in Q1 2025, compared to 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic traveller numbers by 16%. recorded 9% growth in arrivals in Q1 2025, compared to 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic traveller numbers by 16%. The Americas saw 2% more international arrivals, with several destinations in South America (+13%) enjoying strong results during the Southern Hemisphere summer season. saw 2% more international arrivals, with several destinations in South America (+13%) enjoying strong results during the Southern Hemisphere summer season. The Middle East recorded 1% growth compared to 2024, a more modest increase following the extraordinary performance in recent years. However, arrivals stood 44% above pre-pandemic levels this first quarter of the year. recorded 1% growth compared to 2024, a more modest increase following the extraordinary performance in recent years. However, arrivals stood 44% above pre-pandemic levels this first quarter of the year. Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 12%, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic numbers. North-East Asia saw the strongest performance among world subregions with a 23% rebound in Q1 2025 to reach 91% of 2019 levels. According to IATA, international air travel demand grew 8% in January-March 2025 versus Q1 2024, while international air capacity was up 7%. Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 64% in March, about the same level as in March 2024 (65%). Industry indicators are available at the UN Tourism Data Dashboard. Strong growth in receipts across many destinations in early 2025 Available data on international tourism receipts for Q1 2025 shows solid growth in visitor spending in many destinations: Spain, the world's second largest tourism earner, reported 9% growth in the first two months of 2025 (compared to the same period in 2024), after a remarkable 16% increase in the year 2024. Also in Southern Mediterranean Europe, Türkiye (+7%) posted solid results in Q1 2025, as did Greece, Italy and Portugal (all +4%). France recorded 6% growth in international tourism receipts, Norway 20% and Denmark 11%, in the first quarter of 2025. In Asia and the Pacific, Japan continued to enjoy a surge in receipts in Q1 (+34%), while Nepal (+18%), the Republic of Korea and Mongolia (both +14%) also recorded double-digit growth. The United States, the world's top tourism earner, reported 3% growth in January-March 2025, after a 14% increase in the year 2024. 2024 export revenues from tourism revised upwards to USD 2.0 trillion Revised data shows that total export revenues from international tourism (receipts and passenger transport) grew by 11% (real terms) to reach a record USD 2.0 trillion in 2024, about 15% above pre-pandemic levels. This represents about 6% of the world's total exports of goods and services and 23% of global trade in services. International tourism receipts, the main component of tourism service exports, grew 11% to USD 1.7 trillion , also in real terms (adjusted for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations). , also in real terms (adjusted for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations). Average spending remained at USD 1,170 per international trip in 2024, above the pre-pandemic average of USD 1,000 (both in constant dollars). Growth in earnings from international tourism in 2024 was fueled by strong spending from large source markets such as the United Kingdom (+16% from 2023), Canada (+13%), the United States (+12%), Australia (+8%) and France (+7%). China, the world's top tourism spender saw outbound expenditure climb 30% to USD 251 billion, about 3% above pre-pandemic levels. Other major markets reporting strong growth in spending last year include Saudi Arabia (+17%) which already saw remarkable growth in 2023, Spain (+14%), Belgium (+14%), Netherlands (+13%) and Austria (+11%). Looking ahead: Headwinds continue to pose significant risks The latest Panel of Tourism Experts survey points to economic factors including weaker economic growth, high travel costs and the increase in tariffs as the main three challenges that could impact international tourism in 2025. Uncertainty derived from geopolitical and trade tensions are also weighing on travel confidence. Lower consumer confidence was ranked as the fourth main factor affecting tourism this year, while geopolitical risks (aside from ongoing conflicts) ranked fifth. According to the survey, tourists will continue to seek value for money, but could also travel closer to home or make shorter trips. Cautious optimism for upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer season The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index reflects cautious optimism for the period May-August 2025. Some 45% of Panel experts point to better (40%) or much better (5%) prospects for this 4-month period, while 33% foresee similar performance than in the same period of 2024. Some 22% expect tourism performance to be worse. Experts highlighted the uncertainty and unpredictability derived from trade tariffs and its potential impact on travel sentiment. While one third of survey respondents expect little or no impact from trade tensions on tourism performance, some 25% expect some impact in the near future. Despite global uncertainty, travel demand is expected to remain resilient. UN Tourism's January projection of 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals for 2025 remains unchanged. About UN Tourism UN Tourism is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. An intergovernmental organization, UN Tourism has 160 Member States, 6 Associate Members, 2 Observers and over 500 Affiliate Members. The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the Organization. The Executive Council takes all measures, in consultation with the Secretary-General, for the implementation of the decisions and recommendations of the General Assembly and reports to the Assembly. UN Tourism headquarters are based in Madrid, Spain. The election for Secretary General will be in May 2025. View source
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Global tourism numbers up 5% in Q1, modest growth in ME
Over 300 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of 2025, about 14 million more than in the same months of 2024, according to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism. That represents a 5% rise on last year and is 3% more than in pre-pandemic year 2019. The robust performance came despite the sector facing a range of geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as high inflation in travel and tourism services. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: 'In every global region, tourism stands out as a major services sector, supporting millions of jobs and businesses of all sizes. The continued good performance in international arrivals combined with stronger visitor spending in many destinations highlights the resilience of the sector in the face of numerous challenges and is good news for economies and workers everywhere.' Africa shows solid results, Asia Pacific rebounds strongly The World Tourism Barometer breaks down the data for the first quarter of 2025 by region and sub-region. Key highlights show: * The Middle East recorded 1% growth compared to 2024, a more modest increase following the extraordinary performance in recent years. However, arrivals stood 44% above pre-pandemic levels this first quarter of the year. * Europe welcomed 125 million international tourists in the first three months of the year, up 2% from Q1 2024, and 5% more than the same period before the pandemic. * In Southern Mediterranean Europe arrivals increased 2%, reflecting growing demand for off-season travel to some destinations. * Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+8% over 2024), especially Baltic destinations, though visitor numbers in the subregion remain below 2019 levels. * Africa recorded 9% growth in arrivals in Q1 2025, compared to 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic traveller numbers by 16%. * The Americas saw 2% more international arrivals, with several destinations in South America (+13%) enjoying strong results during the Southern Hemisphere summer season. * Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 12%, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic numbers. North-East Asia saw the strongest performance among world subregions with a 23% rebound in Q1 2025 to reach 91% of 2019 levels. According to IATA, international air travel demand grew 8% in January-March 2025 versus Q1 2024, while international air capacity was up 7%. Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 64% in March, about the same level as in March 2024 (65%). Industry indicators are available at the UN Tourism Data Dashboard. Strong growth in receipts Available data on international tourism receipts for Q1 2025 shows solid growth in visitor spending in many destinations: * Spain, the world's second largest tourism earner, reported 9% growth in the first two months of 2025 (compared to the same period in 2024), after a remarkable 16% increase in the year 2024. * In Southern Mediterranean Europe, Türkiye (+7%) posted solid results in Q1 2025, as did Greece, Italy and Portugal (all +4%). * France recorded 6% growth in international tourism receipts, Norway 20% and Denmark 11%, in the first quarter of 2025. * In Asia and the Pacific, Japan continued to enjoy a surge in receipts in Q1 (+34%), while Nepal (+18%), the Republic of Korea and Mongolia (both +14%) also recorded double-digit growth. * The United States, the world's top tourism earner, reported 3% growth in January-March 2025, after a 14% increase in the year 2024. 2024 export revenues tops $2 trillion Revised data shows that total export revenues from international tourism (receipts and passenger transport) grew by 11% (real terms) to reach a record $2 trillion in 2024, about 15% above pre-pandemic levels. This represents about 6% of the world's total exports of goods and services and 23% of global trade in services. * International tourism receipts, the main component of tourism service exports, grew 11% to $1.7 trillion, also in real terms (adjusted for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations). * Average spending remained at $1,170 per international trip in 2024, above the pre-pandemic average of $1,000 (both in constant dollars). Growth in earnings from international tourism in 2024 was fueled by strong spending from large source markets such as the United Kingdom (+16% from 2023), Canada (+13%), the United States (+12%), Australia (+8%) and France (+7%). China, the world's top tourism spender saw outbound expenditure climb 30% to $251 billion, about 3% above pre-pandemic levels. Other major markets reporting strong growth in spending last year include Saudi Arabia (+17%) which already saw remarkable growth in 2023, Spain (+14%), Belgium (+14%), Netherlands (+13%) and Austria (+11%). Headwinds continue The latest Panel of Tourism Experts survey points to economic factors including weaker economic growth, high travel costs and the increase in tariffs as the main three challenges that could impact international tourism in 2025. Uncertainty derived from geopolitical and trade tensions are also weighing on travel confidence. Lower consumer confidence was ranked as the fourth main factor affecting tourism this year, while geopolitical risks (aside from ongoing conflicts) ranked fifth. According to the survey, tourists will continue to seek value for money, but could also travel closer to home or make shorter trips. Cautious optimism The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index reflects cautious optimism for the period May-August 2025. Some 45% of Panel experts point to better (40%) or much better (5%) prospects for this 4-month period, while 33% foresee similar performance than in the same period of 2024. Some 22% expect tourism performance to be worse. Experts highlighted the uncertainty and unpredictability derived from trade tariffs and its potential impact on travel sentiment. While one third of survey respondents expect little or no impact from trade tensions on tourism performance, some 25% expect some impact in the near future. Despite global uncertainty, travel demand is expected to remain resilient. UN Tourism's January projection of 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals for 2025 remains unchanged, it said. - Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
6 days ago
- Business
- Observer
International tourist arrivals up 5% in Q1, 2025, 1% in Middle East
Over 300 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of 2025, about 14 million more than in the same months of 2024, according to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism. That represented a 5 percent % rise on last year and is 3% more than in the pre-pandemic year 2019. The robust performance came despite the sector facing a range of geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as high inflation in travel and tourism services. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: 'In every global region, tourism stands out as a major services sector, supporting millions of jobs and businesses of all sizes. The continued good performance in international arrivals combined with stronger visitor spending in many destinations highlights the resilience of the sector in the face of numerous challenges and is good news for economies and workers everywhere.' The Middle East recorded 1% growth compared to 2024, a more modest increase following the extraordinary performance in recent years. However, arrivals stood 44 percent above pre-pandemic levels this first quarter of the year. The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index reflects cautious optimism for the period May-August 2025. Some 45 percent of Panel experts point to better (40 percent) or much better (5 percent) prospects for these 4 months, while 33 percent foresee similar performance to that in the same period of 2024. Some 22 percent expect tourism performance to be worse. Experts highlighted the uncertainty and unpredictability derived from trade tariffs and their potential impact on travel sentiment. Revised data shows that total export revenues from international tourism (receipts and passenger transport) grew by 11% (real terms) to reach a record USD 2.0 trillion in 2024, about 15% above pre-pandemic levels. This represents about 6% of the world's total exports of goods and services and 23% of global trade in services. According to IATA, international air travel demand grew 8 percent in January-March 2025 versus Q1 2024, while international air capacity was up 7%. Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 64 percent in March, about the same level as in March 2024 (65%). It may be noted that Oman's airports, by the end of March 2025, reached approximately 3,541,038 passengers, compared to 3,840,354 passengers by the end of March 2024, according to preliminary data issued by the National Center for Statistics and Information. The number of passengers traveling through Muscat International Airport by the end of March 2025 reached 3,183,817 passengers, compared to 3,482,325 passengers during the same period in 2024, recording a decrease of 8.6 percent.
Trade Arabia
6 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Global tourism numbers up 5% in Q1, modest growth in ME
Over 300 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months of 2025, about 14 million more than in the same months of 2024, according to the May 2025 World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism. That represents a 5% rise on last year and is 3% more than in pre-pandemic year 2019. The robust performance came despite the sector facing a range of geopolitical and trade tensions, as well as high inflation in travel and tourism services. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: 'In every global region, tourism stands out as a major services sector, supporting millions of jobs and businesses of all sizes. The continued good performance in international arrivals combined with stronger visitor spending in many destinations highlights the resilience of the sector in the face of numerous challenges and is good news for economies and workers everywhere.' Africa shows solid results, Asia Pacific rebounds strongly The World Tourism Barometer breaks down the data for the first quarter of 2025 by region and sub-region. Key highlights show: * The Middle East recorded 1% growth compared to 2024, a more modest increase following the extraordinary performance in recent years. However, arrivals stood 44% above pre-pandemic levels this first quarter of the year. * Europe welcomed 125 million international tourists in the first three months of the year, up 2% from Q1 2024, and 5% more than the same period before the pandemic. * In Southern Mediterranean Europe arrivals increased 2%, reflecting growing demand for off-season travel to some destinations. * Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+8% over 2024), especially Baltic destinations, though visitor numbers in the subregion remain below 2019 levels. * Africa recorded 9% growth in arrivals in Q1 2025, compared to 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic traveller numbers by 16%. * The Americas saw 2% more international arrivals, with several destinations in South America (+13%) enjoying strong results during the Southern Hemisphere summer season. * Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 12%, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic numbers. North-East Asia saw the strongest performance among world subregions with a 23% rebound in Q1 2025 to reach 91% of 2019 levels. According to IATA, international air travel demand grew 8% in January-March 2025 versus Q1 2024, while international air capacity was up 7%. Global occupancy rates in accommodation establishments reached 64% in March, about the same level as in March 2024 (65%). Industry indicators are available at the UN Tourism Data Dashboard. Strong growth in receipts Available data on international tourism receipts for Q1 2025 shows solid growth in visitor spending in many destinations: * Spain, the world's second largest tourism earner, reported 9% growth in the first two months of 2025 (compared to the same period in 2024), after a remarkable 16% increase in the year 2024. * In Southern Mediterranean Europe, Türkiye (+7%) posted solid results in Q1 2025, as did Greece, Italy and Portugal (all +4%). * France recorded 6% growth in international tourism receipts, Norway 20% and Denmark 11%, in the first quarter of 2025. * In Asia and the Pacific, Japan continued to enjoy a surge in receipts in Q1 (+34%), while Nepal (+18%), the Republic of Korea and Mongolia (both +14%) also recorded double-digit growth. * The United States, the world's top tourism earner, reported 3% growth in January-March 2025, after a 14% increase in the year 2024. 2024 export revenues tops $2 trillion Revised data shows that total export revenues from international tourism (receipts and passenger transport) grew by 11% (real terms) to reach a record $2 trillion in 2024, about 15% above pre-pandemic levels. This represents about 6% of the world's total exports of goods and services and 23% of global trade in services. * International tourism receipts, the main component of tourism service exports, grew 11% to $1.7 trillion, also in real terms (adjusted for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations). * Average spending remained at $1,170 per international trip in 2024, above the pre-pandemic average of $1,000 (both in constant dollars). Growth in earnings from international tourism in 2024 was fueled by strong spending from large source markets such as the United Kingdom (+16% from 2023), Canada (+13%), the United States (+12%), Australia (+8%) and France (+7%). China, the world's top tourism spender saw outbound expenditure climb 30% to $251 billion, about 3% above pre-pandemic levels. Other major markets reporting strong growth in spending last year include Saudi Arabia (+17%) which already saw remarkable growth in 2023, Spain (+14%), Belgium (+14%), Netherlands (+13%) and Austria (+11%). Headwinds continue The latest Panel of Tourism Experts survey points to economic factors including weaker economic growth, high travel costs and the increase in tariffs as the main three challenges that could impact international tourism in 2025. Uncertainty derived from geopolitical and trade tensions are also weighing on travel confidence. Lower consumer confidence was ranked as the fourth main factor affecting tourism this year, while geopolitical risks (aside from ongoing conflicts) ranked fifth. According to the survey, tourists will continue to seek value for money, but could also travel closer to home or make shorter trips. Cautious optimism The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index reflects cautious optimism for the period May-August 2025. Some 45% of Panel experts point to better (40%) or much better (5%) prospects for this 4-month period, while 33% foresee similar performance than in the same period of 2024. Some 22% expect tourism performance to be worse. Experts highlighted the uncertainty and unpredictability derived from trade tariffs and its potential impact on travel sentiment. While one third of survey respondents expect little or no impact from trade tensions on tourism performance, some 25% expect some impact in the near future.
Trade Arabia
30-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Middle East embraces rural tourism with UN Initiative
The Middle East is emerging as a global leader in tourism recovery and transformation. According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, the region welcomed 95 million international arrivals in 2024, marking a 32% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, and a 1% rise over 2023—making it the strongest-performing region in the world. While iconic cities and mega-events capture attention, a quieter transformation is underway in the region's rural heartlands. Through the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism initiative, a dozen Middle Eastern villages are being celebrated for redefining tourism as a force for community empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainability. The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched by UN Tourism in 2021, identifies and supports rural destinations that exemplify tourism as a driver of economic opportunity, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship. Since its inception, the programme has received over 800 applications from more than 100 countries and today boasts a network of 254 villages from nearly 60 countries, including 12 from the Middle East. These include: Abo Noghta Castles & Historic Tabab, AlUla Old Town, and Rijal Alma'a in Saudi Arabia; Abu Ghosoun, Dahshour, Siwa, and Gharb Suhayl in Egypt; Umm Qais and Al Sela in Jordan; Douma and Bkassine in Lebanon; and Misfat Al Abriyeen in Oman. Together, they reflect the region's strategic pivot toward tourism diversification—unlocking the potential of lesser-known rural areas while creating jobs, preserving traditions, and promoting regional pride. Tourism That Builds Communities In Egypt, villages like Dashour, Siwa, Gharb Suhayl, and Abu Ghosoun are demonstrating how tourism can empower women, support artisanship, and revive endangered crafts. In Dashour, nearly 250 women produce eco-friendly goods using local palm and Halfa grass. In Siwa, women-led projects are transforming agricultural waste into contemporary crafts, rooted in oasis tradition. In Saudi Arabia, communities in Abo Noghta, Rijal Alma'a, and AlUla Old Town are reviving heritage architecture and fashion, blending storytelling with community-based hospitality. These destinations are bridging tradition with modern experiences—creating a blueprint for cultural tourism in the Kingdom. Jordan's Umm Qais and Al Sela are showcasing accessible, inclusive tourism through local kitchens, women's cooperatives, and education-focused heritage tours. In Lebanon, Bkassine and Douma are using tourism to restore historical infrastructure and support family-run businesses. In Oman, Misfat Al Abriyeen stands out as a model for agro-heritage tourism. Terraced farms, homestays, and local guides are bringing visitors closer to the soul of Omani rural life. A Vision for Sustainable Development Through the Best Tourism Villages initiative, UN Tourism supports participating villages with technical assistance, visibility, and knowledge-sharing. The initiative aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 5 (Gender Equality).
