ITB Berlin and IPK International Report Stable Growth in International Travel for 2025
As ITB Berlin prepares to open its doors from March 3 to 5, 2026, the international travel sector shows steady growth. Data from IPK International’s World Travel Monitor® reveal a 4% rise in global international trips in 2025 compared to the previous year. This increase continues the positive trend seen in recent years and approaches levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regional Variations in Travel Trends
Travel patterns varied by region in 2025. Europe’s outbound travel grew by 4%, matching the global average. North America experienced a slight decline of 1% year-on-year, yet the United States maintained its position as the country with the highest volume of international travel worldwide, ahead of Germany and the United Kingdom. Asia recorded a moderate expansion of 5% in international travel. South America stood out with an 11% surge, driven mainly by a growth in travel within the continent.
Popular Destinations and Traveler Satisfaction
The World Travel Monitor® also includes IPK’s Destination Performance Index (DPI), which measures traveler satisfaction, likelihood of recommendation, and intention to return. In 2025, Dubai led the rankings, followed by Abu Dhabi, the Bahamas, and Brazil. Visitors praised Dubai for excellent service, quality accommodations, and favorable weather. However, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi received lower marks on sustainability. In Europe, Switzerland topped the list, with Austria also performing strongly. These destinations scored above average for landscape and natural surroundings.
Dominance of Holiday Travel and Business Travel Recovery
Holiday trips accounted for nearly 75% of all international travel in 2025, growing at 4%. Sun and beach holidays remained the most popular type of holiday. Spain attracted the highest number of international visitors once again. Other holiday types, such as round trips and nature breaks, showed above-average growth. Conversely, travel for events and wellness declined slightly. Business travel grew by 6% and returned to pre-pandemic levels for the first time since 2019. Travel connected to meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) increased by 8%.
Longer Trips and Rising Spending
The average length of international trips extended slightly to about nine nights. This was linked to increased long-haul air travel and a rise in rail travel, which grew above average. Spending per trip rose by 5%, with accommodation receiving the largest share of expenses. Transport accounted for roughly one quarter, while spending on food and activities at destinations remained smaller.
Outlook for 2026
The data suggests steady demand for international travel will continue in 2026. Travel behavior appears to stabilize, with growth rates expected to return to pre-pandemic levels. Concerns over overtourism and sustainability remain among travelers, creating opportunities for destinations of all sizes to adapt.
ITB’s Expansion in the Americas and Focus on Sustainable Tourism
In response to the increasing significance of the Americas in global travel, ITB is launching ITB Americas in Guadalajara, Mexico, from November 10 to 12, 2026. This new B2B trade show will serve North, Central, and Latin America, as well as the Caribbean.
At ITB Berlin Convention 2026, scheduled alongside the trade show, industry experts from companies like Airbnb, Expedia, and Google will explore ways to balance tourism growth with sustainability and innovation. The convention will feature 17 thematic tracks and four live stages.
ITB Berlin 2026 will mark its 60th anniversary, continuing its role as a key meeting point for the international travel industry. More information and press accreditation details are available on www.itb.com.
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