ASIATODAY.ID, PARIS – International tourism has reached an all-time high, with an estimated 847 million international tourist arrivals across OECD countries in 2025, marking a 3.4% increase from the previous year and setting a new global record.
However, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) cautions that the sector’s impressive recovery is being challenged by escalating geopolitical tensions, climate-related disruptions, and rapidly changing traveler behavior, all of which could reshape global tourism in the years ahead.
According to the OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2026 report released on July 1, the tourism industry’s post-pandemic rebound remains robust after expanding by 8.1% in 2024. Yet the report warns that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted international travel routes, increased transportation costs, and weakened traveler confidence, particularly for destinations dependent on Gulf aviation hubs.
“Tourism continues to generate business opportunities, jobs, and tax revenues across the OECD,” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said. He stressed that governments and the private sector must strengthen crisis preparedness and improve tourism management to ensure sustainable long-term growth.
The report notes that concerns over safety, affordability, and travel disruptions are encouraging tourists to choose familiar destinations, shorter holidays, and lower-cost travel options. Tourism authorities are therefore being urged to anticipate evolving travel patterns driven by geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events.
Performance varied significantly across OECD members.
Finland recorded the strongest growth in inbound tourism at 16.5%, followed by Japan (15.8%), South Korea (15.7%), and Norway (12.5%), reflecting strong international demand supported by improved air connectivity and favorable exchange rates.
By contrast, several major tourism markets experienced declines. International arrivals fell in the United States (-5.5%), Ireland (-2.8%), Germany (-0.8%), and Canada (-0.6%), with these countries still struggling to regain or sustain pre-pandemic momentum. Israel remains the hardest-hit destination, with inbound tourism still more than 70% below pre-pandemic levels amid continued regional conflict.
Despite mounting global uncertainties, the OECD expects many destinations to continue posting solid tourism performance in 2026. Around one-third of OECD member countries anticipate exceeding their 2025 tourism results by the end of this year, with several expected to establish new visitor records.
The OECD concluded that the future success of global tourism will depend not only on demand but also on the ability of governments and businesses to build resilience against geopolitical crises, climate risks, and an increasingly unpredictable global travel environment. (AT Network)
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