The number represents a 2% increase compared to the same period in 2025, with around six million more international travelers recorded worldwide.
The year started on a positive note, with strong travel demand in January and February. However, growth slowed in March as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East began affecting global travel patterns.
UN Tourism warns that the conflict could reduce overall growth in international tourist arrivals this year. The agency had initially projected growth of between 3% and 4% in 2026, but the crisis could lower that figure by one to two percentage points.
The conflict has disrupted flights to and from the Middle East, pushed up oil prices and contributed to shortages of jet fuel in some markets. As a result, airfares have increased and some airlines have reduced flight capacity.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais said the effects of the conflict are being felt far beyond the Middle East.
“Even amid this uncertainty, international tourism continued to show resilience in the first quarter of 2026,” she said, noting that tourism remains an important source of jobs, income and economic growth.
Europe and Africa recorded the strongest performance during the quarter, each posting a 4% increase in international arrivals. Europe welcomed more than 130 million tourists, while Africa benefited from strong growth in both North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Asia and the Pacific saw arrivals rise by 3%, while the Americas recorded a 2% increase. In contrast, the Middle East experienced a 14% decline in arrivals due to the conflict.
Among the fastest-growing destinations were Paraguay, New Zealand, El Salvador, Mongolia and Uzbekistan.
Despite ongoing challenges, tourism experts remain cautiously optimistic about the upcoming Northern Hemisphere summer season. However, rising travel costs, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over air connectivity are expected to influence where and how people travel.
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