New data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals that Saudi Arabia has emerged as the world's fastest-growing tourism destination, experiencing a remarkable 67% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The Kingdom welcomed an estimated 29 million visitors last year, a significant leap driven by strategic investments in its tourism sector.
The report, which analysed trends across 53 OECD member and partner countries, highlights a broader surge in tourism across North Africa and the Middle East. Morocco secured the second spot with a 53% growth in visitors, followed closely by Egypt, which saw a 47% increase. This regional dominance underscores a shift in travel preferences and the effectiveness of tourism promotion efforts in these nations.
Globally, the tourism industry has largely recovered from the downturn caused by the pandemic. Across all 53 countries studied, international tourist arrivals in 2025 were up 4% compared to 2019, reaching a total of 1.5 billion visitors. This overall recovery signals robust demand for international travel, despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties in various parts of the world.
The United Kingdom has also shown a strong rebound in its tourism sector. In 2025, the UK is estimated to have welcomed 43.6 million inbound visitors. While the Office for National Statistics has adjusted its methodology for these figures, comparing this to the OECD's 2019 statistic of 39 million visitors for the UK suggests a positive growth trajectory for British tourism.
However, not all countries have fared equally well. Israel experienced the most significant decline in tourist numbers, with a 71% decrease in 2025 compared to 2019, receiving only 1.3 million visitors. Ireland also faced challenges, recording a 32% decrease in tourists, while Argentina saw a 23% reduction. These contrasting performances highlight the varied impacts of global events and regional stability on tourism.