UN Tourism
The United Nations tourism agency, based in Madrid.
UN Tourism cut its 2026 forecast for international arrivals growth to 1-2% on 15 September, down from the 3-4% it projected in January, after first-half arrivals rose only 0.4%.
Last refreshed: 3 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
How far below forecast will the 2026 tourism year finish?
Timeline for UN Tourism
Cut the 2026 arrivals growth forecast to 1-2%
Nomads & Communities: UN Tourism cuts 2026 arrivals forecastBackground
UN Tourism is the United Nations specialised agency for tourism, based in Madrid. It operated as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) until it adopted its current name in 2024. Its member states use it to set common statistical standards, and its World Tourism Barometer is the most widely quoted count of international arrivals.
In 2026 that barometer has tracked a weak year. On 15 September the agency lowered its growth forecast for international arrivals to 1-2%, from 3-4% in January, after first-half arrivals rose 0.4%. The Middle East fell 22% and South-East Asia 1%; South Korea grew 21%.
Governments, airlines and city authorities plan capacity and visitor charges against its figures, so a revision of this size feeds directly into budgets for tourist taxes and entry fees.
UN Tourism halves its growth forecast
UN Tourism revised its 2026 outlook on 15 September, expecting international arrivals to grow 1-2% for the year. In January the agency had forecast 3-4%. Its first-half count showed arrivals up just 0.4%, with the Middle East down 22% and South-East Asia down 1%, while South Korea grew 21%.
The agency's regional series also slowed through the year: Asia-Pacific growth fell from 3% in the first quarter to 1% across the half. For the body whose barometer is the standard reference for national tourism ministries, the cut means destinations that planned around January's figure now face a weaker year than they budgeted for.
What is UN Tourism's 2026 arrivals forecast?
How much did international arrivals grow in early 2026?
Which region lost the most tourists in early 2026?
