# Global tourism trends and regional performance

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-tourism-trends-and-regional-performance
> Updated: 2026-09-18T05:00:49.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

In the first half of 2026, global international tourism grew by 0.4%, reaching approximately 690 million travelers. This represents an increase of 3 million arrivals compared to the same period in 2025. However, UN Tourism has revised its full-year growth forecast downward to between 1% and 2%, down from the previously anticipated 3% to 4%, citing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East, rising oil prices, and persistent inflation.

Regional performance remains varied. Europe saw a 3% increase in arrivals, led by growth in Moldova, Greece, and Ireland, though Western Europe experienced a 1% decline, partly due to June heatwaves. The Middle East saw a 22% drop in arrivals due to regional conflict, and Southeast Asia experienced a 1% decline in June. In Oceania, some destinations saw a 6% drop following Typhoon Sinlaku.

Trends indicate a shift toward non-European destinations. For example, Hungarian travelers have increased bookings to locations such as Turkey, Egypt, and the United States by 1.5 times compared to the previous year, with additional interest in Morocco, Argentina, Georgia, and China. Average spending per traveler has remained relatively stable, increasing by 1.7 percent.

Looking forward, a recovery is anticipated for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. International travel in the MENASA region is projected to rebound by 17% in 2027, and international visitor spending in the Middle East is forecasted to grow by 57% between 2025 and 2030, potentially reaching approximately 116 billion dollars.

## Claims

- International tourism grew by 0.4% in the first half of 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- International arrivals in Europe increased by 3% during the first half of 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Tourist arrivals in the Middle East dropped by 22%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Moldova saw a 25% increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Greece and Ireland both experienced a 15% rise in tourist arrivals. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- El Salvador recorded the highest global growth in tourism at 37%. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Global international arrivals are projected to grow between 1% and 2% for the full year of 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Approximately 690 million tourists traveled globally in the first half of 2026. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-18: Global travel trends show rising interest in non-European destinations

Travel trends show rising interest in non-European destinations among Hungarians and a projected 17 percent rebound in MENASA region travel by 2027 following recent geopolitical disruptions.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-travel-trends-show-rising-interest-in-non-european-destinations

### 2026-09-17: UN Tourism reports 0.4% growth in global tourism for H1 2026

International tourism grew 0.4% in the first half of 2026, reaching 690 million arrivals, though UN Tourism lowered full-year growth forecasts due to geopolitical tensions and inflation.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/un-tourism-reports-04-global-tourism-growth-in-first-half-of-2026

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Cite as: Global tourism trends and regional performance. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-tourism-trends-and-regional-performance