The destinations that saw a huge rise in tourists last year
The new tourist destinations holidaymakers are flocking to
- The UN's annual World Tourism Barometer for 2025 revealed a 4% increase in international tourist arrivals globally, reaching 1.52 billion and setting a new post-pandemic record.
- Africa recorded the largest regional growth in tourist arrivals at 8%, with North Africa showing particular strength, including a 14% increase for Morocco.
- Europe continued to receive the most overall tourists with 793 million arrivals, a 4% rise from 2024, and Iceland experienced the highest European increase at 29%.
- Asia and the Pacific registered the second-highest growth at 6%, reaching 331 million arrivals, while the Middle East grew by 3% and the Americas by 1%.
- Globally, no region saw a decrease in tourist numbers, and tourism export revenues were estimated at $2.2 trillion (£1.6 trillion) in 2025, with further growth predicted for 2026.
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