Worldwide tourist numbers climb in 2025, nudging travel back to pre‑pandemic growth

The following text outlines how international tourism recovered in 2025, the regional winners and losers, and what this revival means for transfers, taxis and airport services.

Global snapshot: recovery stabilises, growth returns

International tourist arrivals increased by 4% in 2025, reaching an estimated 1.52 billion travellers. That translates to nearly 60 million more arrivals than in 2024 and signals a return toward the long‑term average growth rates that characterized 2009–2019. Momentum was driven by solid consumer demand, improving air connectivity and more efficient visa facilitation across many destinations.

Key figures at a glance

Regional performance: winners and laggards

Growth was uneven but broadly positive. Regions with faster recoveries often benefit from improved flight links and pent‑up demand for off‑season or bucket‑list destinations.

• África: fastest growth at +8%, reaching 81 million visitors; North Africa up 11%.
• Asia and the Pacific: arrivals reached 331 million, up 6% year‑on‑year; North‑East Asia surged by 13%, and South Asia is back to pre‑pandemic volumes.
• Europa: remains the top destination region with 793 million arrivals, up 4% and ~6% above 2019 levels.
• The Americas: 218 million arrivals, modest overall growth (1%) with varied sub‑regional performance.
• Médio Oriente: strong relative recovery at +3%, approaching 100 million arrivals and about 39% above 2019 benchmarks.

Why this matters for taxis and transfers

Higher arrival volumes feed directly into demand for airport transfers, city taxis and private hires. Destinations seeing rapid recovery often experience sharper peaks in transfer requests, variable fare pressure and increased need for pre‑booking. For travellers who want to avoid last‑minute uncertainty, choosing the exact vehicle, confirmed seat and licensed driver in advance matters more than ever.

Practical implications for travellers

• Expect busier transfer do aeroporto pick‑up zones and longer wait times during major events.
• Book a private car or multi‑seater in advance to secure an exact vehicle and avoid surge pricing.
• Check driver credentials and vehicle details to ensure comfort and compliance.

Drivers of growth and looming risks

Key growth contributors included rising outbound demand in emerging markets, the return of business travel, and a record level of tourism spending in several countries. Preliminary estimates put international tourism receipts at around USD 1.9 trillion in 2025, while total export revenues from tourism rose to an estimated USD 2.2 trillion.

• Growth drivers: improved air connectivity, visa facilitation, resilient source markets, large events.
• Risks: high travel costs, geopolitical tensions, trade disputes and extreme weather events that can disrupt arrivals.

Events to watch

Major global events such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America are expected to inject fresh demand into the market and further affect airport and intercity transfer patterns.

Provide a short forecast on how this news could impact the global tourism and travel map. While the global impact may be moderate—reflecting a measured return to sustainable growth—regional spikes around major events will shape travel flows and transfer demand. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.

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In summary, 2025 marked another step toward normalisation for international travel: arrivals rose 4% to 1.52 billion, tourism receipts reached record levels and most regions moved closer to pre‑pandemic performance. For travellers this means planning ahead for transfers—deciding how much to spend on a private car versus a cab, choosing the right seat and vehicle class, and securing a licensed driver. Platforms that show exact vehicle make and model, driver ratings and transparent fares make it easier to book the best service at the right price. GetTransfer.com supports this approach by offering a global, user‑friendly solution for booking personalised transfers, trips and deliveries, with transparency and convenience that help you get from airport to city or between destinations with confidence.