ITB Berlin: Global Travel Growth Stabilizes in 2025

International tourism maintained steady momentum in 2025, as new data presented ahead of ITB Berlin 2026 confirms that global travel demand continues to normalize. According to the latest World Travel Monitor findings by IPK International, international trips worldwide increased by 4% year-on-year in 2025, bringing overall performance closer to pre-pandemic levels. This phase of ITB Berlin travel growth signals a more stable, single-digit expansion after the rapid rebound years.

The figures, released shortly before ITB Berlin takes place from 3 to 5 March 2026, reflect a tourism landscape that is recovering with greater balance. Growth is no longer driven purely by post-pandemic release demand but by structured leisure travel, the return of business trips, and more consistent regional performance.

ITB Berlin Travel Growth Shows Regional Variations

While global travel increased by 4%, regional performance varied.

Europe’s outbound travel grew in line with the global average at 4%. North America recorded a slight decline of 1%, although the United States remained the world’s largest outbound travel market, ahead of Germany and the United Kingdom. Outbound travel from Asia increased by 5%, continuing its recovery trajectory. South America recorded the strongest growth at 11%, largely driven by intracontinental travel within the region.

These figures underline how ITB Berlin travel growth is not uniform, but instead shaped by economic conditions, air connectivity, and evolving traveler confidence across markets.

Leisure Travel Dominates, MICE Returns to 2019 Levels

Holiday travel accounted for nearly three-quarters of all international trips worldwide in 2025, expanding by 4% in line with the global average. Sun and beach vacations remained the most popular segment, with Spain again recording the highest number of international arrivals.

Round trips and nature-focused holidays experienced above-average growth, reflecting sustained interest in experiential and outdoor travel. By contrast, event and wellness travel saw slight declines compared to the previous year.

Business travel increased by 6% in 2025, marking a return to 2019 levels for the first time. The MICE segment (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) recorded even stronger growth of approximately 8%, reinforcing its importance for urban destinations and conference hubs.

This combination of strong leisure demand and a recovering corporate segment contributed significantly to overall ITB Berlin travel growth.

Destination Performance and Satisfaction Trends

In addition to travel volumes, the IPK Destination Performance Index (DPI) measures satisfaction and intention to return. Key findings in 2025 include:

• Dubai topped the global satisfaction rankings, followed by Abu Dhabi, the Bahamas, and Brazil for service quality, accommodation and weather.

• Switzerland led in Europe, earning above-av other metrics in some regions, indicating ongoing concerns among travellers.

  erage scores for landscape and nature experiences.

• Sustainability perceptions lagged behind

These insights help tourism planners understand not just how many travellers move, but why they choose particular destinations and what influences their likelihood of returning.

Spending Patterns and Trip Duration

Spending per international trip increased by approximately 5% year-on-year in 2025. Accommodation represented the largest share of traveler expenditure, while transport accounted for roughly one quarter of total travel budgets. Food, activities, and local services made up smaller proportions.

The average duration of international trips rose slightly to around nine nights. This increase was supported by the recovery of long-haul travel and sustained demand for air transport. Rail travel also experienced above-average growth, reflecting interest in alternative transport modes and regional connectivity. Together, these metrics reinforce that ITB Berlin travel growth reflects both volume expansion and higher per-trip economic impact.

Outlook for 2026: Stability and Smarter Management

Looking ahead, early indicators suggest that international travel demand in 2026 will remain stable, with growth aligning more closely to pre-pandemic patterns. At the same time, concerns around overtourism and sustainability continue to influence traveler sentiment and destination strategies.

These pressures are increasingly linked to technology, particularly artificial intelligence. AI-driven analytics are supporting destination management through demand forecasting, visitor flow optimization, and more efficient resource planning. Tools such as predictive crowd management systems and dynamic pricing models are helping distribute travel more evenly across seasons and locations.

The conversation in 2026 is therefore shifting from pure growth to smarter management, prioritizing balance, efficiency, and long-term resilience.

ITB Berlin’s Role in Shaping Tourism’s Future

As the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin provides a central platform for addressing these evolving priorities. From March 3 to 5, 2026, industry leaders will examine how policy, technology, and sustainability are redefining global tourism. Discussions at the ITB Berlin Convention 2026 are expected to focus on geopolitical uncertainty, digital transformation, and changing traveler expectations, offering insight into how the sector is adapting to a more complex and data-driven future.