Tourist in Europe. Photo: Shutterstock International tourism recorded only modest growth during the first half of 2026, as conflict in the Middle East, higher oil prices and inflation put pressure on travel demand.
According to the latest World Tourism Barometer from UN Tourism, around 690 million tourists traveled internationally between January and June, about 3 million more than during the same period in 2025. That represents growth of just 0.4%.
The figures also show how the year became more difficult as it progressed. International arrivals increased by 2% in the first quarter, but fell by 1% in the second quarter. Arrivals dropped 3% in April, partly because Easter fell in March this year, while June also recorded a 3% global decline.
The Middle East was the region most directly affected by the conflict. International arrivals there fell 22% during the first half of the year.
Elsewhere, Africa recorded 4% growth, followed by Europe at 3%. International arrivals in the Americas increased by 2%, while Asia and the Pacific registered a 1% rise compared with the first half of 2025.
UN Tourism said disruptions to air traffic caused by the conflict gradually eased after ceasefires in May and early June. Some air routes reopened, although the recovery in consumer confidence has varied between markets.
The organization has also lowered its expectations for the rest of the year. International tourist arrivals are now expected to increase by between 1% and 2% in 2026, compared with the 3% to 4% growth forecast issued in January.
The revised outlook depends heavily on how long the Middle East conflict continues and its impact on oil prices and inflation.
The latest UN Tourism Confidence Index nevertheless points to cautiously positive expectations for the final four months of the year. Some 45% of tourism experts surveyed expect performance between September and December to be better or much better than during the same period in 2025.
Another 34% expect similar results, while 21% anticipate worse or much worse performance.
Economic pressures remain the biggest concern for the industry. Tourism experts highlighted volatile oil prices, inflation and weak economic output, alongside high transport and accommodation costs, as the main challenges facing international tourism in 2026.