Global tourism growth slows as costs and disruption weigh on travel

International tourist arrivals grew just 0.4 percent in the first half of 2026, according to UN Tourism’s latest World Tourism Barometer.

An estimated 690 million tourists travelled internationally from January to June, around three million more than a year earlier. Growth in the first quarter was followed by a decline in the second, as conflict-related disruption, higher costs and other pressures affected demand.

Africa and Europe continued to record growth, while the Middle East experienced a sharp fall. UN Tourism lowered its full-year growth outlook to between 1 and 2 percent, subject to geopolitical conditions, oil prices and inflation. The figures underline the uneven nature of the travel market.