International Tourism Growth in 2026
During the first quarter of 2026, worldwide tourism saw a modest 2% increase. Approximately 307 million travelers crossed international borders in the opening three months of the year—six million more than the same period in 2025. The fastest-growing destinations included:
- Paraguay, up 46%
- New Caledonia, up 45%
- El Salvador, up 43%
- Mongolia (+39%)
- Palau (+37%)
- Uzbekistan (+37%)
- Pakistan, which surged 60%
Tourism Trends in Europe and the Middle East
Europe also posted positive numbers, welcoming over 130 million tourists—a 4% rise year-over-year. The Southern Mediterranean region and Northern Europe each grew by 4%, while Central and Eastern Europe saw a 6% uptick. In contrast, the Middle East faced a 14% drop in visitor numbers. Egypt, however, bucked the regional trend with a 16% increase in tourism, signaling some stability in parts of the area.
Despite the overall gains, analysts warn that ongoing conflict in the Middle East could slow global tourism growth by one to two percentage points. According to a survey, 64% of experts believe the regional turmoil is dampening travel demand. Among them:
- 43% describe the impact as moderate
- 21% see it as significant
- 36% say the conflict has had little effect on demand
- 17% report an increase in inbound tourism due to redirected travel flows
“In a time of rising geopolitical and economic pressures, this once again highlights tourism's vital role in sustaining economies, creating opportunities, and supporting communities far beyond the industry itself.”
Sheikha Al-Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism
The early 2026 data points to a continued recovery for international travel after the pandemic, but persistent conflicts—especially in the Middle East—pose serious challenges to future growth. Experts caution that instability in the region could curb tourism demand and slow the sector's momentum. While Europe and other regions show encouraging signs, countries affected by conflict continue to struggle, creating a stark contrast in the global tourism landscape.