International tourist arrivals rose by 0.4 per cent in the first six months of 2026, according to UN Tourism’s September World Tourism Barometer, as conflict and rising travel costs weighed on demand.
The agency estimated that 690 million tourists travelled internationally between January and June, about three million more than a year earlier. Growth of 2 per cent in the first quarter gave way to a 1 per cent decline in the second.
Regional results varied. Africa recorded 4 per cent growth and Europe 3 per cent, while arrivals in the Middle East fell by 22 per cent. Asia and the Pacific grew by 1 per cent but remained below 2019 levels.
UN Tourism reduced its expected range for global arrivals growth in 2026 to 1–2 per cent, from its January projection of 3–4 per cent. That outlook remains dependent on geopolitical developments and their effect on prices.
The figures describe the first half of the year, rather than current booking conditions. They underline the uneven recovery facing destinations and travel businesses.
By Editorial Desk. Source announcement: 17 September 2026.
Image: Passengers in an airport terminal. Photo by Kenneth Surillo on Pexels. Illustrative photograph; not from the reported event.