Global tourism is still growing, but much more slowly than expected. UN Tourism has cut its growth forecast for 2026 to just 1-2 percent. In January, the agency had predicted growth of 3-4 percent. About 690 million people traveled abroad in the first half of the year. That was only three million more than in the same period last year.
The agency blames conflict in the Middle East and rising travel costs. Arrivals in that region fell by 22 percent in six months. Africa grew fastest at 4 percent, followed by Europe with 3 percent. Experts say travelers now care more about value for money. Many may choose destinations closer to home or travel inside their own country. Thailand, for example, has cut its own visitor target for this year.