International Tourism Growth Slows in the First Half of 2026

Publié en septembre 2026, le dernier World Tourism Barometer d’ONU Tourisme dresse le bilan de l’activité touristique internationale sur les six premiers mois de l’année.

Le rapport analyse le nombre d’arrivées de touristes internationaux dans les différentes régions du monde afin de suivre l’évolution des flux touristiques.

Sur cette période, 690 millions d’arrivées ont été enregistrées, soit une hausse de 0,4% par rapport au premier semestre 2025.

Cette progression reste toutefois très limitée. Après un premier trimestre en hausse de 2%, les arrivées internationales ont reculé de 1% au deuxième trimestre.

Between January and March, international arrivals had increased, then the trend reversed.

And the month of June confirms this slowdown, with a global drop of 3% in international arrivals. April had already recorded a decline of 3%.

UNWTO highlights notably the effect of the Easter holiday calendar, which began in March this year, as well as the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.

In total, the 690 million arrivals recorded between January and June represent only 3 million more than in the first half of 2025.

Not all regions are following the same trajectory.

Over the first six months, Europe records +3%, the Americas +2% and Africa +4%.

Western Europe, however, experiences a much tougher June, with a 6% drop in international arrivals. UNWTO notes episodes of extreme heat recorded in several destinations.

Asian markets also show different evolutions depending on sub-regions. North-East Asia climbs by 3%, while South Asia falls by 5% and South-East Asia by 1%.

The Asia-Pacific region continues to struggle to reach its 2019 level. International arrivals rise by only 1% in the first half.

In June, the decline reaches notably 5% in South-East Asia, linked to weaker demand on some Asian markets and disruptions to air links via the Middle East.

Because of the conflict, the situation is much more pronounced in the Middle East.

International arrivals there fell by 22% in the first half.

The war that broke out in the region in early March directly affected tourist flows, but also international air transport.

Some routes were disrupted or suspended, with knock-on effects beyond the countries concerned. The air situation gradually improved in May and June, with the reopening of some routes after the announcement of a ceasefire.

Beyond the geopolitical context, the cost of travel remains a key factor for demand.

High oil prices are notably fueling transport costs, while inflationary pressures continue to weigh on vacation budgets.