Madrid / Ulaanbaatar — International tourism continued its rebound in 2025, with global overnight visitor arrivals rising 5 % in the first nine months of the year compared with the same period in 2024. According to the latest UN World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) World Tourism Barometer, more than 1.1 billion international touriststraveled abroad through September, roughly 50 million more travelers than the previous year and about 3 % above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Regional Highlights:
- Asia and the Pacific led growth with an 8 % increase in international arrivals — bringing the region to around 90 % of its 2019 tourism numbers.
- Other standout performers in the first nine months of 2025 included countries such as Brazil, Egypt, Japan, and Mongolia — each reporting significant year-on-year growth in visitor numbers.
Mongolia’s Tourism Rebound
Mongolia’s tourism sector saw notable progress in 2025, aligning with global recovery trends:
- Inbound visitation increased significantly compared with 2024, with estimates suggesting double-digit growth in international arrivals during the first nine months of 2025.
- By year-end, Mongolia received over 840 000 foreign travelers, a milestone reflecting continued interest in the country’s natural and cultural attractions.
- The tourism sector’s recovery was among the world’s strongest, placing Mongolia among the top 20 countrieswith the fastest tourism rebound — with arrival growth roughly 44 % higher than in 2019.
- Domestic reports also highlight a 15 % increase in tourism revenue in the first nine months of 2025 vs. 2024, and a 39 % rise compared with 2019, indicating stronger economic gains from tourism services.
Outlook for Mongolia
Tourism stakeholders say that Mongolia’s growth reflects improvements in destination marketing, travel connectivity, and diversified tourism offerings, including cultural and nature-based experiences. The sector’s momentum in 2025 points to sustained international interest and an opportunity to attract even more visitors in 2026 and beyond. Continued focus on infrastructure, service quality, and strategic international partnerships will be key to reaching long-term tourism goals.
