CubaPLUS Magazine

UN Tourism, headquartered in Madrid, reported today that 307 million international travelers crossed borders during the first four months of the year.

In an assessment of the 2026 season’s start, the United Nations agency noted that the encouraging momentum seen in January and February (a 2.5% growth rate) has since been dampened by conflict in the Middle East.

Current geopolitical instability is expected to result in a one-to-two percentage point decrease in the sector's growth rate, falling below the organization's initial 2026 forecast of three to four percent.

The analysis highlighted that travelers both within and outside the Middle East are experiencing a loss of confidence. Furthermore, rising oil costs and increased airfares have driven up expenses across the global tourism sector.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais commented that the ongoing Middle East conflict acts as a disruptive force on traveler patterns, with effects reaching far beyond the immediate region.

She noted that while this situation exerts pressure on travelers, businesses, and destinations alike, the industry has once again proven its resilience, evidenced by the 307 million arrivals recorded despite these challenges.

Regionally, Europe and Africa saw the strongest results in the first four months of the year, according to the UN Tourism Barometer.

Europe reaffirmed its status as the world’s top destination, welcoming 130 million travelers during this period.

Africa—particularly North Africa—along with Asia and Oceania, also showed strong performance. In the Americas, Canada, the United States, and Mexico saw the most significant gains, fueled by the anticipation of hosting the FIFA World Cup this summer.

(Taken from Prensa Latina)