KATHMANDU: International tourist arrivals rose 5% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2025, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 3%, according to the latest UN Tourism World Tourism Barometer. 

More than 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally between January and September, an increase of about 50 million compared to the same period in 2024.

UN Tourism said sustained travel demand continued throughout the year despite high inflation in tourism services, geopolitical tensions, and mixed traveller confidence. The third quarter alone posted a 4% rise over 2024, driven by a strong Northern Hemisphere summer season.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili noted that the sector continues to show “sustained growth” in both arrivals and receipts. “Africa and Europe in particular stand out for their results,” he said.

Africa leads regions; Europe sees strong summer

Africa recorded the strongest regional performance, with arrivals up 10% through September. North Africa (+11%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (+10%) both posted double-digit growth.

Europe welcomed 625 million tourists during the period—a 4% rise over 2024—supported by a robust summer season. Western Europe (+5%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%) performed strongly, while Central and Eastern Europe rebounded by 8% though still remained 11% below 2019 levels. Northern Europe saw a slight 1% dip.

Mixed results in the Americas; Middle East tops pre-pandemic levels

The Americas posted 2% growth, with South America (+9%) leading despite a flat third quarter. North America (-1%) experienced slight declines in the United States and Canada.

The Middle East reported a 2% increase, representing 33% more arrivals than in 2019, making it the world’s strongest performer relative to pre-pandemic levels.

Asia-Pacific recovery strengthens

Asia and the Pacific saw 8% growth, reaching 90% of pre-pandemic levels. North-East Asia stood out with a 17% rise, though it remained 12% below 2019 figures.

Among individual destinations, the highest increases were recorded in Brazil (+45%), Vietnam and Egypt (+21%), Ethiopia and Japan (+18%), South Africa (+17%), Sri Lanka and Mongolia (+16%), and Morocco (+14%). All have already exceeded 2019 arrival levels.

Travel infrastructure and spending also up

International air traffic grew 7% between January and September, while global air capacity rose 6%, according to IATA. Global hotel occupancy in September remained steady at 68%.

Visitor spending also strengthened across many destinations. Japan (+21%), Nicaragua (+19%), Egypt (+18%), Mongolia and Morocco (+15%), Latvia (+13%), Brazil (+12%), and France (+9%) showed some of the strongest growth in tourism receipts.

Outbound spending increased from several major markets, including the United States (+7%), France (+5%), Germany and Italy (both +4%), Spain (+15%), and South Korea (+7%).

Outlook for 2025 remains positive

UN Tourism projects 3–5% growth in international arrivals for the full year 2025. While current results align with the forecast, the organization warns that high travel prices and geopolitical uncertainties remain key risks for the sector.