MADRID, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- UN Tourism on Thursday lowered its forecast for growth in global international tourist arrivals in 2026 to between 1 percent and 2 percent, from the 3-4 percent projected in January, as conflict in the Middle East and rising travel costs weigh on momentum.
The latest edition of the World Tourism Barometer showed that international tourist arrivals rose by just 0.4 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2026. Around 690 million tourists travelled internationally during the period, about 3 million more than a year earlier.
International arrivals increased by 2 percent in the first quarter, but fell by 1 percent in the second quarter. In June alone, arrivals declined by 3 percent year-on-year.
Africa recorded a 4-percent increase in international arrivals in the first six months of the year, followed by Europe with 3 percent and the Americas with 2 percent. Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific rose by 1 percent, but remained 11 percent below 2019 levels.
The Middle East saw international arrivals decline by 22 percent as conflict directly affected the region, according to the report.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais said: "The latest data shows a sector absorbing real pressure and finding a way forward. Tourism has not stopped growing, but that growth is fragile. The Middle East situation has touched destinations far beyond the region itself and serves as a clear reminder that, in such a connected world, resilience needs to be built everywhere and not just when a crisis begins."
UN Tourism said its revised outlook would depend on the duration of the conflict and its impact on oil prices and overall inflation.
High prices and uncertainty are expected to keep travellers focused on value for money, with many likely to choose destinations closer to home or opt for domestic travel, the report said.
