Speaking to Al Jazeera Arabic, Bulut Bağcı said the conflict is creating both a shock and a turning point for global tourism, as travellers increasingly prioritise safety, flexibility and political stability when choosing destinations.

Tourism faces immediate disruption

While tourism has historically shown resilience during geopolitical crises, Bağcı noted that travellers are already changing their behaviour.

“People continue to travel, but they change their destinations, the airlines they use, and sometimes even the entire nature of their holidays,” he told Al Jazeera.

The impact is being felt across the wider travel ecosystem, including airlines, airports, hotels, travel insurance providers, tour operators and investors.

According to forecasts from Tourism Economics, international arrivals to the Middle East could decline by between 11% and 27% in 2026 depending on how long the conflict continues. Under an early resolution scenario, the region could lose 23 million visitors and around $34 billion in tourism spending. A prolonged conflict could push losses to 38 million visitors and $56 billion in spending.

Air connectivity under pressure

Aviation remains one of the sectors most exposed to the crisis. The Middle East serves as one of the world’s most important transit regions, accounting for around 14% of global international transit activity. Airspace closures and flight cancellations have already disrupted travel across multiple markets. According to Tourism Economics, more than 5,000 flights were cancelled during the first days of the conflict.

Bağcı warned that Gulf countries face a particularly complex situation because their tourism growth is closely linked to aviation connectivity and perceptions of stability.

Destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh have built strong international tourism brands over the past decade, but disruptions to regional airspace can quickly affect traveller confidence.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reviews report of the Emirates Tourism Council and achievements of the UAE's tourism for 2025

Key results and achievements:
+32 million guests stayed in hotel establishments, reflecting an increase of 5.1% compared to 2024.
AED 49.21 billion in… pic.twitter.com/G78AsKYHd3

— Sinan (@SinanYTRR) May 26, 2026

According to Reuters, passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport fell significantly during the first quarter of 2026 as travel demand weakened amid the conflict.

Safety becomes a competitive advantage

For Bağcı, the crisis reflects a broader shift taking place across the tourism industry.

Tourism is no longer defined solely by beaches, landmarks or luxury hotels. Security, political stability and strong airport connectivity are increasingly becoming central components of the tourism product itself.

Countries capable of providing safety, streamlined visa procedures, reliable infrastructure and effective crisis management are expected to gain a competitive advantage as travellers reassess their priorities.

“The countries that can provide security, facilitate visas, offer strong airports and maintain political stability will attract more tourists in the future,” Bağcı said.

Alternative destinations may benefit

As demand shifts away from perceived conflict zones, several destinations could benefit from changing traveller preferences.

Bağcı highlighted countries including Turkey, Greece, Spain, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, Thailand, Indonesia and the Maldives as destinations that could attract additional visitors due to perceptions of greater stability.

Southern European destinations, in particular, may benefit from strong air networks, established tourism infrastructure and continued demand for sun and cultural tourism experiences.

A changing global tourism landscape

Despite the scale of the disruption, Bağcı does not believe global tourism demand will collapse.

Instead, he expects a redistribution of travel flows, with tourists favouring destinations that offer confidence, security and predictability.

The conflict, he argues, may ultimately reinforce a new reality for the travel industry: in an increasingly uncertain world, safety and stability are becoming just as important as attractions, hospitality and climate.

L’article Middle East could lose 23 million visitors due to Iran conflict est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran at the end of February 2026, many airlines have been avoiding the otherwise busy airports in the Middle East. Flights to the region have been cancelled en masse, and carriers have been privileging other hubs for their flight connections.

Dutch carrier KLM, part of the Air France-KLM group, has cancelled its flights to the Middle East since 1 March 2026. Since the airline has been keeping its travellers updated regularly while gradually extending the duration of the ban.

“Your safety remains our top priority. We will not resume flights until the airspace is confirmed safe for civil aviation. We understand this situation may significantly affect you, whether you are travelling, have plans, or are awaiting news from loved ones. Our teams are working around the clock to support passengers in the region or with upcoming travel plans. We assess each case individually to determine options for continuing, rebooking, or cancelling your journey. To provide more alternatives, we are coordinating closely with Air France and Delta Air Lines,” KLM’s CEO Marjan Rintel shared in a press release on 1 March 2026.

Until this week, the latest update was published on 6 May. At the time, KLM decided to cancel its flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam up to and including 28 June 2026.

On 26 May 2026, that ban has been extended even further into the future. The airline shared that it would cancel all flights to Dubai up to and including 2 August, while flights to Riyadh and Dammam have been cancelled up to and including 12 July 2026. It is uncertain whether KLM’s regular schedule to the Middle East will actually be resuming as of then or if the airline will once again extend the cancellations, as that decision will be made according to the development of the conflict.

The impact of the conflict in the Middle East

The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has been heavily impacting the travel industry. According to data published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in May 2026, air passenger bookings in the Middle East fell by 50% in March and April 2026 for travel between June and September 2026.

Global air passenger bookings, however, grew by 6% over the same period according to IATA. Previously, a report by Airports Council International (ACI) EUROPE already revealed that European air passenger traffic had expanded by 3.8% in March 2026. Passengers seem to be shifting their booking behaviour by waiting until closer to the date of travel before making reservations and by choosing regional travel instead of long-haul flights.

L’article KLM extends Middle East flight cancellations until mid-summer est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

A survey of 192 respondents in April 2026, the majority of whom (60%) are corporate travel buyers/managers/bookers, found that 97.5% of corporate travel professionals do not think the US government should be permitted to request this information. Less than one percent agreed with the idea in principle, but only if tourists were targeted.

Among corporate travel professionals, there is an almost 50/50 division between those who think the policy will never be implemented and those who think it will, but a whopping 85% are against the proposal outright.

Over 40% of corporates said they would send fewer travellers to the US if the social media disclosure came into force. Nearly 17% said they would go back to using video conferencing, as many did during the COVID-19 travel restrictions. However, 18.5% said that the rule would not affect their business travel planning.

Corporate travel consumers are conscious, a press release about the survey said, of “concern around data privacy and the administrative burden such a requirement could create for global mobility teams.”

In February 2026, two Democratic senators, Ed Markey and Ron Wyden, said the US Customs and Border Protection policy would deter would-be visitors and represent an unreasonable expectation that would not be acceptable to American citizens going abroad. At that time, the proposal was intended to apply to citizens of 42 nations when they visit the US under visa waiver rules, bringing them in line with applicants for immigrant and non-immigrant visas who are already subject to similar social media disclosure rules, introduced in 2019.

The change would mean that visa-waiver applicants must reveal their social media handles during completion of their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) form. All email addresses used over the last 10 years, plus the names, dates, and places of birth, and addresses of the visitors’ spouses, children, parents, and siblings, would also be required information.

Speaking out against the measure, Louis Magliaro, Executive Vice President, The BTN Group, said: “Corporate travellers already navigate complex visa processes, security checks and compliance requirements. Adding mandatory disclosure of personal social media history could add more red tape when travel managers are already under pressure to increase efficiencies, cut costs and improve traveller wellbeing.”

The findings come amid reports of strong demand in the premium segment, according to the CEO of American Airlines, speaking to Bloomberg TV, tempered by the spectre of high jet fuel prices, as the end of Q2 looms.

Coinciding with that waymarker, the Business Travel Show Europe – where 3,000 buyers, suppliers and industry leaders will come together to discuss travel trends and topics, meet, and do business – takes place 24-25 June 2026 at Excel London.

L’article Business travel industry rallies against Trump’s proposed social media disclosure rule est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Praia de Monte Clérigo, located near Aljezur on the Costa Vicentina, topped this year’s European Best Beaches ranking, which evaluates destinations based on natural beauty, accessibility, atmosphere, environmental preservation and overall visitor experience.

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A post shared by ɪꜱᴀʙᴇʟʟᴇ ᴠᴇʀᴍᴇᴇʀꜱᴄʜ | ᴘʜᴏᴛᴏɢʀᴀᴘʜᴇʀ (@these_arethe_days)

Part of the protected Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, Monte Clérigo was praised for offering travellers “authenticity, nature and understated luxury far from overcrowded resorts”.

Known for its rugged Atlantic scenery, golden cliffs and relaxed atmosphere, the beach has increasingly become a favourite among surfers, hikers, nature lovers and travellers seeking a slower pace of life away from Portugal’s busier tourism hotspots.

According to European Best Destinations, the annual ranking began with hundreds of beaches across Europe before a shortlist of 30 destinations was submitted to an international panel of travellers and tourism enthusiasts.

@rotavicentina O Caminho Histórico nunca deixa de nos surpreender… The Historical Way never stops surprising us… #rotavicentina #sudoeste #algarve #alentejo #historicalway ♬ original sound – Rota Vicentina

The organisation said this year’s ranking aimed to celebrate beaches that offer more than scenic beauty alone, highlighting destinations where visitors can “disconnect from everyday stress, reconnect with nature and experience some of Europe’s most inspiring coastal landscapes”.

Monte Clérigo has quietly developed a reputation as one of Portugal’s emerging “Sunset Beaches”, with visitors gathering every Friday evening at the beachfront Restaurante O Sargo for live music, seafood and sunset views over the Atlantic.

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A post shared by O Sargo (@restauranteosargo)

The region is also attracting growing international attention. European Best Destinations noted that Alexandre Grimaldi, the son of Prince Albert II of Monaco, was recently spotted in the area, while French fashion designer Christian Louboutin is known to spend time nearby.

Despite this increasing profile, Costa Vicentina remains considerably more affordable than some of Portugal’s more exclusive coastal destinations. European Best Destinations said luxury accommodation prices in the region can still be up to three times lower than in celebrity-favoured locations such as Comporta.

The ranking also highlighted the rise of design-focused villas and holiday homes in the area, combining luxury amenities with preserved natural surroundings.

Beyond Portugal, Greece dominated much of the top 10 list. Voutoumi Beach on the island of Antipaxos took second place and was also named the most beautiful beach in Europe thanks to its crystal-clear waters and white pebbles.

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Fteri Beach on Kefalonia ranked third, while Elafonissi Beach in Crete secured fourth place. Italy rounded out the top five with Bogliasco Beach, a picturesque seaside destination near Genoa.

Spain’s Cala Mesquida in Mallorca ranked sixth, while Norway’s remote Kvalvika Beach entered the list in seventh place despite only being accessible by hiking trails.

The ranking’s remaining top 10 included Rovinia Beach and Paleokastritsa Beach in Corfu, as well as Türkiye’s Kaputaş Beach, which was also featured earlier this year in the World’s 50 Best Beaches ranking.

L’article Portugal’s Praia de Monte Clérigo named best beach in Europe for 2026  est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Clarissa Ward missed her flight out of Lisbon on 26 May due to a system she described as “completely broken.” The journalist filmed a queue of people that snaked hundreds of metres around Humberto Delgado Airport. Prior to reaching the border gate, non-EU nationals must complete Entry Exit System (EES) checks, ensuring the Schengen bloc database has registered their biometric data.

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A post shared by Clarissa Ward | Journalist (@clarissawardcnn)

“At this line, you have to use a machine, and then depending on the results of that machine, you get into another big line, or you go on to use yet another machine,” Ward said, adding: “And now, yet another line, after giving finger prints at that first machine…” 

Declaring she would need to wait another six hours before she could get on an alternative departure, Ward said the Portuguese implementation of EES meant “thousands and thousands of people who are basically going through complete insanity. The system doesn’t work.”

Despite Portuguese authorities deploying the national guard at the airport to help deal with the high volumes of people, the problems were, she said, “testimony to just what a disaster these new EES rules are regarding all passport holders who are not from the European Union.”

Since we're talking airports: I'm Portuguese, and Lisbon's airport immigration is genuinely one of the worst first impressions of any country I know.

Two to four hour queues stretching across the entire terminal. People missing flights. Fights breaking out. Exhausted travelers… https://t.co/UO9mdZQ1ZV pic.twitter.com/u7cm4W62lj

— André (@oracles) May 26, 2026

In addition to the national guard, the Portuguese government said that 360 members of the PSP (Public Security Police) will be brought in to reinforce Portuguese airports, but not until July. 

Last week, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Infrastructures, Hugo Espírito Santo, blamed the chaos at Lisbon on Europe as an administration, saying in a statement that similar problems had been recorded at Amsterdam, Milan, Munich, and Tenerife. “We have to recognise that this is not a Portuguese problem, it’s a European problem right now,” he said. 

Greece has already said it is suspending EES checks for its British visitors. Concerned travel associations and trade representatives have urged the bloc to allow for mitigating circumstances at national borders, as agents try to make EES work during this initial summer season.

What remains a Portuguese problem, however, is the widespread travel disruption anticipated on top of the EES issues, across the country’s public transport networks and aviation for the first week of June, due to mass strike action planned by national unions. The general strike is called for Wednesday, 3 June 2026, and comes in response to proposed government employment reforms and failed talks. At least 500 flight cancellations are likely, and travel to and from international hubs by public transport will also be hit.

L’article European border system causing “complete insanity” at Lisbon Airport est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

His words come alongside the announcement of forward-looking tourism initiatives. On 14 May, the DCT revealed a $1.7-billion investment in an immersive experience hub called Sphere, which follows the opening of Sphere Entertainment Co’s Las Vegas arena in 2023.

The future of entertainment is taking shape on Yas Island.

Powered by advanced technologies, Sphere Abu Dhabi will captivate the world with a new era of immersive experiences and become a global platform for Emirati creativity.@spherevegas pic.twitter.com/64R1uFpZaE

— Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) May 14, 2026

The United Arab Emirates capital is also investing in world-class art venues like the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, where a branch of the Louvre awaits. The full opening of the city’s Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum is also imminent, and Disney recently revealed a new Abu Dhabi theme park.

Prior to the outbreak of Middle East hostilities at the end of February 2026, the Emirati pivot away from fossil fuels had already borne fruit. In 2025, Abu Dhabi welcomed 26.6 million visitors and 5.9 million hotel guests, tourism agency figures show. The state is targeting 39.3 million annual visitors by 2030, an influx anticipated to boost its gross domestic product to AED90 billion (€21 billion).

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reviews report of the Emirates Tourism Council and achievements of the UAE's tourism for 2025

Key results and achievements:
+32 million guests stayed in hotel establishments, reflecting an increase of 5.1% compared to 2024.
AED 49.21 billion in… pic.twitter.com/G78AsKYHd3

— Sinan (@SinanYTRR) May 26, 2026

But Iranian drones have struck the UAE, including at airports and near nuclear facilities, closing airspace early in the conflict, and stranding tens of thousands of visitors and non-residents. Many airlines are still not operating even partial schedules to the region.

In a crisis estimated to be costing global travel and tourism $600 million per day, hotel occupancy rates in Abu Dhabi were almost slashed in half year-on-year (-45%) for the period during the end-March Eid al-Fitr holiday in mid-March, analysts at CoStar said.

The Abu Dhabi in Numbers series highlights growth across the emirate’s culture and tourism sectors in 2025, supported by @dctabudhabi and reflecting Abu Dhabi’s growing global appeal, strong sector performance, and ongoing investment in developing its iconic landmarks. pic.twitter.com/vZfRu5eoqg

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) April 6, 2026

Nonetheless, Abu Dhabi flag carrier Etihad is now back to operating at 80% capacity, Flightradar data indicates, and Al Mubarak has insisted that international guests are beginning to return. “Regional tourism is really picking up right now,” he said.

Etihad to resume limited flight schedule from 6 March

Etihad will resume a limited commercial flight schedule from 6 March 2026, operating between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations.

Guests with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as… pic.twitter.com/GNiAWjmmY2

— Etihad Airways (@etihad) March 6, 2026

While Al Mubarak may be optimistic, analysts tend to agree that tourism demand is holding (albeit for other destinations right now), and that the UAE is playing a long game, and that the current Middle East conflict is unlikely to last long enough to really put a serious dent in the Emirati Abu Dhabi Tourism 2030 strategy. Indeed, some say the state will emerge from the crisis as a stronger destination, thanks to its deep infrastructure, institutional credibility and clear global market positioning. On all three fronts, Bulut Bağcı, President of the World Tourism Forum Institute, writing in Travel Tomorrow, said, “the UAE stands apart. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are no longer competing merely as regional destinations; they are operating as global platforms for tourism, aviation, investment, hospitality, and events.” 

Seen in that context, investment in the Sphere venue, which is slated for completion in 2029, is a “clear signal” of Abu Dhabi’s commitment, Al Mubarak said in a press release. “Abu Dhabi is open, ambitious, and unwavering in its direction,” he said.

L’article Abu Dhabi still betting big on tourism amid regional war est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Due to the crisis in the Middle East, the first months of the year have been chaotic, not the least for the travel industry. The rising fuel costs have increased the price of many a flight ticket, routes have been cancelled, and people have been wondering whether or not they should go ahead and plan their summer holiday. As a result, with only a month to go before the start of July, many people across the Benelux still haven’t booked their next vacation.

With that in mind, MSC Cruises is inviting travellers to experience the Best Holiday Ever. Although cruises were once a niche kind of holiday, over the past few years, they have turned into an increasingly popular choice, with a public that has become younger and more family-oriented.

By offering “a seamless, all-in-one travel experience designed to make getting away easier and more enjoyable than ever, at great value, and with the peace of mind of no added fuel surcharges”, MSC Cruises is trying to reinforce that trend in 2026, in a year where many travellers are looking for certainty.

“A cruise combines, in an all-inclusive package, the chance to discover new destinations with a high-quality holiday experience on board. Fine dining, comfort, well-being, activities for young and old, and top-class entertainment all play a central role. This package offers exceptional value for money, which is its main selling point. And this is certainly true in a climate of economic uncertainty,” says Frank Van den Steen, Country Manager Benelux at MSC Cruises.

Peace of mind

According to MSC Cruises, their holidays offer unbeatable value. With everything from full-board dining and action-packed aquaparks to a wide range of entertainment options and fitness facilities included in a cruise package, travellers know exactly how much they will pay for their holiday while booking. That is underlined by the fact that the cruise line will not be introducing a fuel surcharge in 2026, despite the global tendencies. Meanwhile, the multitude of cabin types, shore excursions, and cruise routes offer something for everyone’s taste and budget.

For those who are looking to make their cruise even more secure, MSC Cruises’ Fly & Cruise packages bring together flights, transfers, and a cruise into one coordinated, protected holiday. However, those who prefer to depart closer to home can likely also opt to do so thanks to the large number of itineraries.

The MSC Cruises Fantactica, Aurea, and Yacht Club experiences go even further by allowing guests to make a free cruise change, meaning they can change to another departure within 90 days of the original date with no fees up to 30 days before departure. Especially when combined with the cruise line’s travel insurance, it offers the ultimate peace of mind in a hectic world.

L’article MSC Cruises invites Benelux travellers on the Best Holiday Ever est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

On 7 May 2026, Sri Lanka’s Parliament officially approved visitors from 40 countries to receive a free 30-day visa under the Immigration and Emigration Act after the Cabinet approved the plan in March 2026. However, the move is not to be considered a visa-waiver, as travellers still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization before travelling to the country. 

The new measure was already widely shared over the course of 2025, but only became official on 25 May 2026. Eligible travellers who have applied for an ETA before that date can’t apply for a refund.

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Публикация от Travel Tomorrow (@traveltomorrow.eu)

According to the Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala, the measure is meant to boost the tourism sector. While the government could lose some $75 million in revenue due to the initiative, authorities project that waiving the ETA fee could attract some 247,000 extra tourists, generating $317 million in revenue.

The plan is scheduled to last for a year and will be evaluated after six months. In 2025, when the visa fee-waiver was first communicated, not everyone was as optimistic about the idea.

“For most visitors, what truly matters is an efficient online visa process, which Sri Lanka already offers. The visa initiative should not serve as a smokescreen for the ongoing absence of a coherent international marketing campaign. Despite repeated proclamations, no meaningful effort has materialized, even though funds have long been available,” Malik J. Fernando, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance, said at the time in an interview with Skift.

40 countries on Sri Lanka’s free ETA-list

The list includes a wide range of countries across the world, with Asia and Europe being especially well-represented. Although the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore are not mentioned in the list, they, too, are eligible for a free ETA. Nationals from the Maldives will receive a 90-day tourist visa through the ETA system as part of a reciprocal agreement between Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

According to the press release, applicants who have obtained a free visa and wish to remain in Sri Lanka beyond 30 days may apply for a visa extension upon payment of the applicable visa fee. All citizens from countries other than those mentioned in the list remain subject to the general rules and regulations governing the Sri Lanka ETA system.

L’article Sri Lanka introduces free ETA scheme for tourists from 40 countries est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to the development schedule, the Sydney-London route (which is so long at around 20 hours, it will treat passengers to the experience of two sunrises, hence the name) should have commenced in early 2027. Instead, it will not be in full operation until the autumn of that year, a spokesperson said. The confirmed start date and inaugural destination will be unveiled at an event at the Airbus HQ in Toulouse in June.

@qantas Another moment our #ProjectSunrise fans have been waiting for…     The first @Airbus #A3501000ULR ♬ original sound – Qantas

The issue is with the delivery of the twelve custom-made Airbus A350 1000s due to serve the ultra long haul route, jets which need to be specially configured with 62 fewer seats than usual to allow extra comfort, wellness zones, and, in first class, an armchair a bed, sliding doors, private wardrobe and storage, and a 32” HD screen, as well as mood lighting, humidity, and temperature controls. Perhaps most importantly, though, the Airbus require an extra fuel tank to give it the capacity needed to see out the distance.

The first of the bespoke jets will be delivered in April 2027, and “the next four will follow in quick succession, putting us back on our original schedule by November,” the spokesperson said.

Some would point out that it is not quite accurate to say the carrier will be “back on our original schedule.” The project will, in fact, have been in the pipeline for a decade by the time any planes hit the skies. In 2017, Qantas chief Alan Joyce announced the ambition to operate nonstop flights, with a full payload, taking passengers “Sydney-London, Brisbane-Paris and Melbourne-New York.”

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Публикация от Qantas (@qantas)

At least one of those legs was supposed to come into service in 2022, but was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Airbus received the aircraft order in May 2022, and at the time, flights were supposed to commence before the end of 2025.

Cynics might question the timing of the Qantas announcement, given that the ultra-long-haul route is being born into a world of ultra-high jet fuel costs due to the US-Israel war on Iran. But others point out that the geopolitical instability around the Middle East is only increasing the Aussie carrier’s business case, as travellers seek out alternative long-haul flights that are not reliant on unreliable stopovers in Gulf state nations.

L’article Qantas postpones launch of world’s longest flight between Sydney and London est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The loss of four million arrivals and tourist spending that plummeted by $8 billion over 2025 now shows that the year was worse for US travel than the 2008 recession. It also represents the first time since COVID-19 that visitor numbers have gone down year-on-year, in the worst single year decline for two decades.

Perceptions of the US have shifted towards the negative, amid Trump’s trade tariffs, provocative statements on neighbouring Canada and Mexico, the war in Iran, and travel advisories from governments worldwide that warn of strict US border enforcement. But perceptions are only part of the problem.

For many would-be visitors to the US, real barriers have been raised, such as a proposed $250 visa integrity fee, or visa bonds of up to $15,000, high jet fuel prices, and even outright entry bans. 

The outlook is so bad that it appears not even the World Cup can save it. Bookings have been mediocre, and despite a last-ditch attempt to gee up enthusiasm for the event, with special aircraft liveries and visa bond waivers for match ticket holders, many fear the atmosphere at US matches will be subdued as fans choose to stay away. 

Canada turning red is the geopolitical version of your golden retriever finally biting you. pic.twitter.com/zmDpQxyL41

— 𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕖_𝔾𝕦𝕣𝕝 (@SundaeDivine) May 26, 2026

Some have argued that the slump in US inbound travel is associated with wider global uncertainty, but now, definitely, and adding insult to injury, the figures for 2025 show that, simply, fewer visitors went to the States, despite a surge in travel to other destinations over the same period. The number of international travellers in 2025 increased by 80 million, compared with the year before, the World Travel and Tourism Council noted in April. 

There is, however, some good news among the bleak tourism figures. 2025’s visitors spent more per person than the previous year. If that pattern can be replicated in better years for arrivals, the sector could get a much-needed boost. 

Right now, though, higher per-person spending can not make up for the low number of visitors, overall. Total visitor spending was $8.4 billion, less than in 2024 (inflation and exchange-adjusted). Analysts from Tourism Economics have put the loss at up to $25 billion when taking into account the gap between forecasts for 2025 and reality. Making matters worse, the national office for travel and tourism now predicts international arrivals will not reach pre-pandemic levels until 2029.

L’article Visitor numbers to US slumped by over four million in 2025 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.