Global Tourism Recovery Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels

This article examines the 2025 rebound in international tourism and what it means for destinations, the tourism economy, and coastal leisure industries such as chartering and boat rentals.

Snapshot: Tourism Growth Returns

International tourist arrivals increased by 4% in 2025, bringing global travel closer to the pre-pandemic average annual growth of about 5% recorded between 2009 and 2019. The recovery was driven by sustained demand, improved air connectivity, visa facilitation, and a strong rebound in several key source markets. UN Tourism leadership under Shaikha Al Nowais emphasized that, despite inflationary pressures in travel services and geopolitical tensions, the sector showed resilience and is expected to continue improving into 2026.

Regional Performance at a Glance

Destination Highlights

• Brazil: +37% in international arrivals.
• Egypt: +20%, driven by cultural and beach tourism.
• Morocco: +14%, with stronger spending per visitor.
• Seychelles: +13%, luxury and island demand rising.
• Other notable gains included Bhutan, Iceland, Guyana, South Africa, and Japan.

Economic Indicators and Tourist Spending

Preliminary estimates put international tourism receipts at around USD 1.9 trillion in 2025, a 5% increase over 2024; total export revenues from tourism including passenger transport are estimated at USD 2.2 trillion. Several destinations reported receipts growing faster than arrivals, signaling stronger spending per visitor in markets such as Morocco, the Republic of Korea, Egypt, Mongolia, Japan, Latvia, and Mauritius.

Industry Signals

• International air capacity and passenger traffic rose by 7% through October 2025.
• Global accommodation occupancy reached about 66% in November 2025, on par with the previous year.
• Major source markets including the United States, France, Spain, and the Republic of Korea contributed to higher outbound spending.

Outlook and Forecast for 2026

Projections suggest international tourism could grow by 3–4% in 2026, assuming continued recovery in Asia and the Pacific, stable global economic conditions, and no major escalation of geopolitical conflicts. The UN Tourism Confidence Index showed most experts expect an equal or improved performance next year. High-profile events such as the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup 2026 are expected to lift global mobility and spur demand for travel-related activities.

Key Risks to Watch

• Economic headwinds and rising travel costs may dampen discretionary spending.
• Geopolitical tensions could disrupt air routes and seasonality patterns.
• Inflation in tourism services may push travelers toward value-seeking behaviors.

Historical Context: How the Recovery Unfolded

The tourism rebound in 2025 follows a dramatic contraction during the COVID-19 pandemic when international arrivals collapsed in 2020 and the early 2020s. The decade before the pandemic (2009–2019) averaged around 5% annual growth, supported by expanding middle classes, cheaper air travel, and growing low-cost carrier networks. The post-pandemic recovery has not been uniform: some regions, such as Western Europe and parts of North America, quickly regained momentum, while others—particularly in parts of Asia—required more time due to phased border reopenings and uneven vaccine rollouts.

Long-Term Implications for Coastal and Marine Leisure

As global arrivals and spending rebound, coastal destinations and marine leisure industries stand to benefit. Increased tourist flows to beaches, islands, and marinas typically translate to higher demand for charter services, day trips, and long-term yacht and boat bookings. The rise in tourism receipts in island and coastal markets often supports upgrades in marina infrastructure, more professional crew and captain services, and growth in the superyacht and small-boat segments.

Opportunities for Charter and Boat Rental Operators

• Peak-season demand for day charters and multi-day yacht charters is likely to increase in popular markets.
• Higher spending per visitor opens avenues for premium offerings: luxury charters, catered experiences, and customized fishing or diving trips.
• Improved air connectivity makes previously remote sailing destinations more accessible for short-stay travelers and weekend getaways.
• Events and festivals tied to sports or culture boost short-term demand for private boat hire and corporate hospitality on water.

Practical Challenges for Operators

• Rising operating costs and inflation in tourism services can squeeze margins.
• Marina capacity and berth availability may limit growth unless investment keeps pace.
• Environmental and regulatory pressures require sustainable practices and compliance.

Wrap-up and Relevance for Maritime Travel

The 2025 upswing in international arrivals and receipts signals broad recovery across continents, but with uneven progress relative to 2019. For coastal and island destinations, this trend translates into renewed opportunities for boating and yachting activities, increased marina traffic, and stronger demand for charters, fishing trips, and marine services. Operators and destinations that adapt to changing traveler priorities—value, safety, and unique experiences—will capture the most growth.

GetBoat supports travelers and operators navigating this resurgence: GetBoat.com is an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, which is probably the best service for boat rentals to suit every taste and budget. As tourists return to beaches, lakes and coastal marinas, the platform helps match renters with captains, superyacht charters, private boat hire and day trips, facilitating water-based activities, fishing excursions, clearwater cruising, and other yachting experiences across sea, ocean and gulf Destinations while supporting boating businesses in the sale and rent segments.