UN Tourism Cuts 2026 Global International Tourism Growth Forecast

UN Tourism published the latest World Tourism Barometer, cutting its 2026 forecast for global international tourist arrivals growth from 3-4% to 1-2%. In the first half of the year, international arrivals rose 0.4% year on year, with about 690 million cross-border trips; the first quarter grew 2% while the second quarter fell 1%. Affected by extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions and rising travel costs, global international arrivals fell 3% year on year in June. The report forecasts that, amid higher travel costs and uncertainty, international travellers may focus more on value for money and favour short-haul outbound or domestic trips. Secretary-General Sheikha Nasser Al Nuweisi sa…