2025: GLOBAL TOURISM REACHES 1.52 BILLION INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS, VIETNAM AMONG THE FASTEST-GROWING DESTINATIONS
According to the latest report by the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), global international tourist arrivals reached approximately 1.52 billion in 2025, representing a 4% increase compared to 2024.
The growth momentum of global tourism in 2025 was driven by sustained high travel demand, strong performance from major source markets, and the continued recovery of destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, expanded international air connectivity and increasingly open visa policies in many countries have played a crucial role in stimulating international tourist flows.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Alnuwais commented: “Travel demand remained strong throughout 2025 despite inflation in tourism services and uncertainties arising from geopolitical tensions. We expect this positive growth trend to continue in 2026 as the global economy is forecast to remain stable and destinations that have not yet reached their 2019 levels will fully recover.”
By region, Europe remained the world’s largest destination, welcoming 793 million international tourists, an increase of 4% compared to 2024. Other regions also recorded positive growth, including Africa with 81 million arrivals (+8%), the Middle East with 100 million (+3%), and the Americas with 218 million (+1%).
The Asia-Pacific region received 331 million visitors, up 6% from 2024, but has only recovered to about 91% of its pre-pandemic level in 2019. Northeast Asia led the region with 13% growth, while South Asia has fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels.
The UN Tourism report also shows that both international air transport capacity and passenger traffic increased by 7%, while global hotel occupancy reached 66% in November 2025.
Alongside the increase in tourist arrivals, international tourism revenue in 2025 is estimated at approximately USD 1.9 trillion, up 5% compared to 2024. Tourism export value, including international tourism receipts and passenger transport, reached about USD 2.2 trillion, the highest level ever recorded.
Notably, Vietnam ranked among the countries with the highest growth rates, achieving double-digit increases, alongside other standout destinations such as Brazil (+37%), Saudi Arabia (+20%), and Japan (+17%).
Within the overall global and regional tourism landscape in 2025, Vietnam continued to record impressive results, welcoming nearly 21.2 million international visitors, an increase of 20.4% compared to 2024 and 19% higher than in 2019. This remarkable growth far exceeds the global average growth of 4% and the Asia-Pacific regional average of 6%.
The strong recovery of international tourist arrivals to Vietnam has been driven by favorable tourism policies, particularly more open visa policies, expanded air connectivity, innovative promotional campaigns, diversification of tourism products and services, increased application of technology to support travelers, and the promotion of green and sustainable tourism development.
Outlook for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, UN Tourism remains optimistic as international travel demand continues to rise, air connectivity expands, and visitor flows from emerging markets increase. Major global events such as the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy and the FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico are expected to further stimulate international tourism.
The organization forecasts that global tourism could grow by 3%–4% in 2026, provided that the Asia-Pacific tourism sector continues its recovery, the global economic outlook remains positive, and geopolitical tensions do not escalate.
While the positive outlook for the global economy and lower oil prices could support tourism growth in 2026, UN Tourism also warns that geopolitical risks, conflicts, trade tensions, and extreme weather conditions may negatively impact tourism activities.
The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2026 (ITE HCMC 2026)
The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City 2026 (ITE HCMC 2026) will take place from August 26 to August 29, 2026 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, along with activities hosted at hotels, restaurants, conference centers, tourism sites, and destinations across the city.
Marking the 20-year milestone of International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City, ITE HCMC 2026 aims to reaffirm the event’s position as one of the leading and most prestigious annual international travel fairs in Vietnam and the Asia region.
(Source: Tourism Information Center – Vietnam National Authority of Tourism)
