International tourist arrivals in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries rose by an estimated 3.4% in 2025, reaching a record 847 million, according to the OECD's latest report. However, the report highlights that geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events are reshaping the tourism landscape, necessitating a stronger ability for destinations to adapt to uncertainty.
Growth in Tourism
Countries such as Finland, Japan, Korea, and Norway experienced significant growth, with inbound arrivals increasing by double digits in 2025. Finland led the way with a 16.5% increase, followed by Japan at 15.8%, Korea at 15.7%, and Norway at 12.5%. This growth builds on a strong recovery in 2024, particularly in Korea and Japan, which saw increases of 48.4% and 47.1%, respectively.
Conversely, some countries, including Canada, Germany, Ireland, and the United States, saw declines in international tourist arrivals in 2025. The United States experienced a 5.5% drop, while arrivals in Israel were significantly impacted by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with a decrease of 70.8% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Changing Traveler Behavior
The report indicates that crises, such as conflicts in the Middle East, have disrupted global travel flows and increased costs, affecting traveler confidence. Destinations reliant on Gulf air connectivity are particularly vulnerable. The OECD emphasizes the need for countries to enhance their capacity to anticipate and respond to these challenges in the tourism sector, as traveler habits continue to evolve in response to geopolitical events.
For further insights on tourism trends, see OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2026.
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The ongoing geopolitical tensions and extreme weather events could lead to increased volatility in tourism-dependent economies, particularly in regions affected by conflicts. This may result in reduced consumer spending in travel and hospitality sectors. Watch for upcoming data on international tourist arrivals in 2026, which will provide further clarity on the recovery trajectory of the tourism industry.