Saudi Arabia drives tourism boom amid shifting global travel map

THE NEWS: Saudi Arabia posted the strongest increase among OECD countries, with international tourist arrivals jumping 67% from 17.5 million in 2019 to 29.3 million in 2025, according to the OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2026 report.

DETAILS:

• Across all OECD nations, international arrivals reached 847 million in 2025, surpassing pre‑pandemic levels.
• Morocco saw a 53% rise in arrivals, while Egypt recorded a 47% increase over the same period.
• Brazil and Malta each experienced a 46% growth in tourist arrivals.
• Colombia’s arrivals grew 45% between 2019 and 2025.

LISTS:

• Saudi Arabia – 67% increase (17.5 m → 29.3 m)
• Morocco – 53% increase
• Egypt – 47% increase
• Brazil – 46% increase
• Malta – 46% increase
• Colombia – 45% increase

WHY IT MATTERS: The uneven recovery highlighted by the OECD report shows that while total arrivals have rebounded, growth is concentrated in a few markets such as Saudi Arabia, guiding tour operators, airlines and investors toward the fastest‑expanding destinations.

FAQ

How many international tourist arrivals did OECD countries record in 2025?
The OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2026 report states that OECD countries collectively welcomed 847 million international tourists in 2025, exceeding the pre‑pandemic figure from 2019.

Which OECD country posted the strongest increase in tourist arrivals between 2019 and 2025, and what was the percentage rise?
Saudi Arabia recorded the steepest growth, with arrivals climbing 67% from 17.5 million in 2019 to 29.3 million in 2025, according to the OECD report.

What growth percentages did Morocco, Egypt, Brazil, Malta and Colombia experience from 2019 to 2025?
Morocco’s arrivals rose 53%, Egypt’s 47%, Brazil and Malta each grew 46%, and Colombia’s increased by 45% over the 2019‑2025 period, as detailed in the OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2026 report.

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