International travel is forecast to reach a record 1.57 billion arrivals in 2026, a 2% increase from 2025, according to the WTM Global Travel Report. The figure is a projection, not a final count of trips taken.
Tourism Economics prepared the report, which was presented at World Travel Market London on November 3. Its outlook points to continued growth despite conflicts and economic uncertainty weighing on travel in some regions.
The forecast’s overall growth is in line with UN Tourism’s September outlook, which projected global tourism growth of 1% to 2% in 2026. The agency reported that international arrivals rose 0.4% in the first half of the year, while arrivals in the Middle East fell 22% over that period.
Regional travel patterns diverge
The WTM report anticipates that growth will be driven more by short- and medium-haul trips. It projects a 3% decline in travel between regions and a 40% drop in arrivals to the Middle East, according to TTG’s coverage of the report. These figures are forecasts, rather than confirmed outcomes.
WTM said the report was produced with Tourism Economics and covered more than 185 countries. The report presentation took place during the London event, held from November 3 to 5.
Clayton Ward