Global Tourism Rises 2Pc As Demand Shifts Across Destinations

(MENAFN- Bangladesh Monitor) Dhaka: International tourism continues to show resilience in 2026, with global arrivals rising 2 percent in the first quarter despite ongoing geopolitical and economic pressures, according to the latest UN Tourism report.

Around 307 million people travelled internationally between January and March, an increase of roughly six million compared to the same period last year. However, growth is expected to remain moderate as the Middle East conflict, higher fuel prices, and rising travel costs weigh on global demand.

Despite these challenges, several destinations recorded strong gains as travel patterns shift. Paraguay led global growth with a 46 percent increase in arrivals, followed by New Caledonia (+45 percent), El Salvador (+43 percent), Mongolia (+39 percent), Palau (+37 percent), and Uzbekistan (+37 percent). Other notable performers included Pakistan, the Republic of Korea, Morocco, Brunei, and Brazil, all posting double-digit growth.

Experts said, part of this trend reflects a redirection of tourist flows toward destinations perceived as more stable or offering better value for money. At the same time, travelers are increasingly choosing closer-to-home trips and shorter-haul destinations due to higher transport and accommodation costs.

Europe remained the world's largest tourism region, welcoming over 130 million visitors in the first quarter, up 4 percent year-on-year. Southern, Northern, and Central-Eastern Europe all posted gains, supported by continued recovery in international travel demand.

In contrast, the Middle East saw a sharp 14 percent decline in arrivals due to regional conflict, although Egypt recorded strong growth of 16 percent, benefiting from diverted travel flows.

UN Tourism experts warn that while the sector remains strong, rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty could reduce overall growth by 1–2 percentage points in 2026 compared to earlier forecasts. Even so, tourism continues to demonstrate resilience, with shifting demand creating new opportunities for emerging destinations worldwide.

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