Tourexpi
The USA, France and Canada lead this year’s ranking of
the world’s most-visited destinations, according to the Global eSIM &
Travel Report 2025–2026 released by Holafly at WTM London. They are followed by
Italy, Australia, Spain, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and Portugal.
Together, these countries reflect the emotional, cultural and experiential
priorities shaping global travel in 2025, a year in which 44% of travellers
worldwide made at least one international trip.
USA retains the top position despite moderated growth
The United States remains the world’s most-visited
destination, even as growth levels off. Figures from the U.S. Travel
Association show a decline from around 79 million international visitors in
2019 to an expected 68 million in 2025. Nevertheless, the country’s combination
of major cities, national parks, cultural diversity and wide-ranging landscapes
continues to draw travellers in numbers unmatched elsewhere.
France maintains its global appeal through a blend of
heritage, art and style, reaffirming its role as a cultural beacon. Canada
rises strongly this year, offering travellers a compelling mix of nature,
openness and authenticity.
Europe’s enduring icons and long-haul aspirations
Italy and Spain remain cornerstones of European
desirability, attracting visitors with cuisine, landscapes and centuries-old
traditions. Australia’s placement among the top destinations highlights a
sustained appetite for long-haul exploration and outdoor adventure. Germany and
the United Kingdom continue to rank highly as cultural and economic hubs, while
Japan captivates travellers with its interplay of tradition and futurism.
Portugal completes the top ten, emblematic of destinations that feel intimate, characterful
and globally admired.
A year defined by discovery and rising loyalty
Beyond the ranking itself, the report underscores how
travellers are rediscovering the world. Nearly every international traveller
visited at least one new country in 2025, and 46.4% of all international trips
were first-time entries. Yet loyalty is strengthening in parallel: among the
ten most-visited destinations, an average of 74% of travellers intend to
return.
Pablo Gómez observed that travellers in 2025 are
looking for destinations that resonate on a personal level. He noted that
leading countries succeed because they offer diverse experiences across an
entire nation rather than within a single city, enabling visitors “to explore
the full soul of a place.” The report presents a portrait of a traveller who is
not merely crossing borders, but engaging with the world in a more intentional
and human-centred way.
Image
Credit: © Holafly
The most interesting news
Read the News

Middle East tourism set for sharp 2026 decline before strong long-term recovery
WTTC forecasts a 14.5 percent contraction this year but expects the region to become the world’s fastest-growing Travel & Tourism market through 2036
Read the News

Emirates Skywards offers exclusive Moët Hennessy experience in France
Members can bid from 275,000 Skywards Miles for a four-night journey through Champagne and Paris featuring private estates, rare tastings and Michelin-starred dining
Read the News

Lufthansa Airlines renews EMAS validation with focus on fuel efficiency
Lufthansa City Airlines and Lufthansa Aviation GmbH receive EMAS recognition for the first time as environmental management measures expand across flight and ground operations
Read the News

Ryanair launches record winter schedule for Morocco with 17 new routes
The airline will offer 5.3 million seats on 156 routes in winter 2026, supported by two additional aircraft and a new base in Rabat
Read the News

Tapestry Collection by Hilton debuts in Vietnam with Hoi An resort
NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An opens with 174 rooms, four dining venues, rooftop spa and a design rooted in Central Vietnam’s landscape and craft traditions
Read the News

Agoda reveals contrasting travel choices among Indian solo and group travelers
Accommodation searches for late summer 2026 show solo travelers favoring major cities and independent escapes, while groups lean toward nature, pilgrimage and leisure destinations
Read the News

Bread festivals turn South Korea into a bakery tourism destination
Accommodation searches are rising in Goyang, Daejeon, Jeongseon, Suwon and Seoul as travellers increasingly plan domestic trips around bakeries and food events
Read the News

Wyndham Rewards tops USA TODAY loyalty ranking for ninth year
The hotel loyalty programme with more than 126 million members takes first place again, while its Earner Card leads the hotel credit card category for the eighth consecutive year
Read the News

ROBINSON expands fitness programme with new training concepts
From digital body analysis to Reformer Pilates, ROBINSON is introducing new equipment and class formats across its clubs from summer 2026
Read the News

Lufthansa Group launches free Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleets
The first Lufthansa A320neo will offer the new high-speed internet service from 19 August, with around 850 aircraft across the Group due to be equipped by 2029
Read the News

Spain battles major wildfires ahead of total solar eclipse
More than 1,000 people have been evacuated in Castellon and Huelva as extreme fire risk coincides with an expected influx of eclipse watchers
Read the News

Tomorrowland Thailand gets first international showcase in Belgium
Tourism Authority of Thailand uses Tomorrowland Belgium to promote the festival’s Asian debut near Pattaya from 11 to 13 December 2026
Read the News

Türkiye’s airports handle nearly 139 million passengers in seven months
Passenger traffic reached 138.8 million between January and July 2026, with Istanbul and airports serving major holiday regions accounting for a large share of demand
Read the News

Thailand strengthens China ties through Weibo Gala 2026
Thailand receives the Weibo Thailand Best Travel Destination Country award as TAT combines culture, entertainment and digital reach to engage Chinese travellers
Read the News

Hotel prices surge across Spain ahead of total solar eclipse
Nearly 447,000 additional visitors are expected along the path of totality, pushing room rates up by more than 500 per cent in some cities
Read the News

Seabourn opens bookings for 2028-2029 Caribbean season
Ten itineraries aboard Seabourn Ovation and Seabourn Quest will combine smaller ports, late departures and longer stays across 21 Caribbean destinations
Read the News

International demand supports Germany’s inbound tourism growth
International overnight stays increased in the first half of 2026 as the GNTB sees further growth potential despite lower air capacity and a volatile market environment
Read the News

Asuka and Fujiwara gain UNESCO status as Japan’s 27th World Heritage Site
The ancient political heartland of Nara has joined UNESCO’s World Heritage List, while Kintetsu Railway launches a commemorative train linking visitors with the historic region
Read the News

Delta Concierge expands to all SkyMiles members
The AI-powered assistant now supports flight cancellations, disruption management, bag tracking and SkyMiles account queries directly in the Delta app
Read the News

Spain’s tourism employment rises 5.4% to 3.19 million
The sector added almost 163,000 workers in the second quarter of 2026, while permanent contracts continued to increase and foreign employment grew by 9.4%
Read the News

Radisson launches global long-stay programme for corporate travel
New B2B proposition introduces standardised rates, booking conditions and extended-stay services across participating hotels
