According to the "World Tourism Barometer" report for November 2025, published by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Mongolia has made it to the list of 20 countries demonstrating the best results in the recovery of tourist flows.
This report is published four times a year and contains an analysis of data on tourist destinations and outbound tourism markets. The barometer also features a Confidence Index, which is formed based on surveys of UN tourism experts, allowing for the assessment of current indicators and short-term forecasts for international tourism.
From January to September 2025, the number of foreign tourists increased by 5%
From January to September 2025, the number of foreign tourists staying overnight increased by 5% compared to the same period in 2024, and by 3% compared to the pre-pandemic level of 2019.
From September to September, over 1.1 billion tourists made international trips, which is 50 million more than in the same period of 2024.
The data shows a stable interest in travel throughout the year, despite high inflation and uncertainty caused by geopolitical conditions and trade conflicts.
In the third quarter, there was a 4% increase compared to 2024, attributed to high demand during the summer period in the Northern Hemisphere.
In Africa, the number of arrivals increased by 10% in the first nine months of 2025. In Europe, the largest region by the number of foreign tourists, 625 million people visited from January to September 2025, which is 4% more compared to the same months in 2024.
In North and South America, growth was 2% by September, with an increase of 3% in the first two quarters, but a slight decline was observed in the third quarter (-1%). The number of arrivals in the Middle East increased by 2% during the same period in 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
In Asian and Pacific countries, the number of arrivals in the first nine months of 2025 increased by 8%, reaching 90% of the pre-pandemic level (-10% compared to January-September 2019), indicating a continued recovery in the region.
The highest growth rates of arrivals from January to September 2025 were recorded in Brazil (+45% compared to 2024), Vietnam and Egypt (both +21%), as well as Ethiopia and Japan (both +18%).
Monthly data on international tourism revenues show significant growth in tourist spending in several destinations up to September 2025, such as Japan (+21%), Nicaragua (+19%), Egypt (+18%), as well as Mongolia and Morocco (both +15%).
There is also high demand for travel abroad from major markets such as the USA (+7% by August), France (+5%), Germany and Italy (both +4%).
The results up to September confirm the forecast of the World Tourism Barometer for January 2025, which expects an increase in arrivals by 3-5% this year. However, high travel prices and a complex geopolitical situation remain significant risks for a decrease in these indicators.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, the number of foreign tourists visiting Mongolia increased by 16 percent in the first nine months of 2025 compared to 2024, which is twice the average rate in the region.
Compared to the pre-pandemic level of 2019, inbound tourism to the country has increased by 44 percent, securing Mongolia a place among the rapidly recovering tourist destinations in the world. This figure significantly exceeds the average level in the region and serves as confirmation of the government's successful measures to develop and promote the tourism industry.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, these results have been made possible by the implementation of policies under the "Years of Visiting Mongolia" initiative (2023–2028), which includes active tourism promotion, simplification of visa procedures, and an increase in the number of international flights.
Tatar S. Maidar
source: MiddleAsianNews
