- by foxnews
- 02 Jun 2025
This is how global tourism is skyrocketing—and it’s not just a small bump. It’s a seismic shift. With three hundred million international travellers already on the move in the first quarter of 2025, the travel world is on fire. This number isn’t just impressive—it’s historic. And behind it lies a sure four point nine percent spike compared to the same time last year. That’s right. A solid, measurable rise that spells really good news for every corner of the travel industry.
This is not business as usual. This is a turning point.
Behind the numbers lies a powerful narrative. A narrative of vision, innovation, and transformation. And now, that story takes a historic turn.
The nomination of Shaikha Al Nowais signals a pivotal cultural and institutional shift within UN Tourism. Her anticipated appointment is not merely symbolic; it signals a bold move toward diverse leadership and greater global representation.
Moreover, this early-year spike comes as the world gears up for major travel seasons, suggesting that full-year numbers could easily surpass pre-pandemic highs. Travel authorities in Asia, Europe, and the Americas are reporting robust growth, with airlines scaling up routes, hotels filling fast, and digital booking platforms seeing historic traffic.
Yet behind the record-breaking figures, there's an urgent mission: to ensure the industry is crisis-ready, climate-conscious, and inclusive. The UN Tourism Council reviewed how far the sector has come and how far it still needs to go.
This includes fostering entrepreneurship, promoting digital skills, and expanding access to underserved regions.
The Council's strategic priorities put emphasis on new technologies, education-led growth, and impact-driven investments. This combination is meant to build a sector that not only recovers but evolves into a powerful global force for good.
For travelers, the changes are tangible. Better digital booking experiences. Greener destinations. More authentic encounters. Increased safety and smarter infrastructure.
The road ahead for global tourism is both exciting and demanding. The gains of 2025 must be solidified with long-term planning and collaborative leadership. As Shaikha Al Nowais prepares to step into a groundbreaking leadership role in 2026, the industry stands at a crucial juncture.
Source: UNWTO
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