TEHRAN – International tourist arrivals across the globe grew 5% in the first half of 2025 compared with the same period a year earlier, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 4%, according to UN Tourism.

Nearly 690 million people travelled abroad between January and June, 33 million more than in 2024, though results varied by region, the agency said in its latest World Tourism Barometer.

“In the face of global challenges, international tourism continues to see strong momentum and resilience,” UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said in a statement. “This growth contributes to local economies, jobs and livelihoods, but it also reminds us of our responsibility to ensure it is sustainable and inclusive.”

According to statistics compiled by the UN body, Africa recorded the strongest growth, up 12% year-on-year, with both North Africa (+14%) and sub-Saharan Africa (+11%) posting double-digit increases.

Europe welcomed about 340 million visitors, 4% more than in 2024 and 7% above 2019 levels. Northern, Western and Southern Mediterranean Europe each grew by 3%, while Central and Eastern Europe rose 9% but remained 11% below 2019.

The Americas saw a 3% overall increase, driven by 14% growth in South America. Central America rose 2%, while North America and the Caribbean were flat, with weaker demand from the United States affecting results.

Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific increased 11%, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic levels. North-East Asia led growth with a 20% rise compared to 2024, though still 8% below 2019. Japan, Vietnam, and Morocco posted some of the strongest national gains, each recording double-digit increases.

The Middle East (West Asia) saw a 4% decline after a strong rebound in previous years, but still recorded 29% more arrivals than in 2019, the highest recovery rate relative to pre-pandemic levels.

According to IATA, international air traffic and capacity both rose 7% in the first six months of the year. Global hotel occupancy stood at 69% in June and 71% in July, broadly unchanged from 2024.

In addition, UN Tourism’s confidence index for September-December rose to 120 from 114 in the previous four months, with half of surveyed experts expecting stronger results in the remainder of the year. The agency maintained its January forecast of 3% to 5% growth in international arrivals for 2025.

AM