ITB Berlin and IPK International Report Steady Global Travel Growth Ahead of 2026 Edition
Shortly before ITB Berlin 2026, scheduled from 3 to 5 March, new data from IPK International indicates that international travel continues to move on a stable path. According to the latest findings from the World Travel Monitor, international trips worldwide increased by four per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year. Growth rates have returned to single digits, aligning more closely with pre-pandemic patterns.
Regional trends show varied performance
Travel demand developed differently across regions. Outbound travel from Europe grew by four per cent, matching the global average. In contrast, North America recorded a marginal one per cent year-on-year decline. Despite this, the United States remained the largest outbound travel market globally, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom.
Asia reported five per cent growth in outbound travel, slightly above the global average. South America recorded the highest regional increase at 11 per cent, driven largely by stronger intracontinental travel.
Destination performance and traveller satisfaction
Findings from IPK’s Destination Performance Index (DPI), which evaluates traveller satisfaction, likelihood to recommend, and intention to return, showed continued interest in destinations across the Middle East and Europe. Dubai ranked first in 2025, followed by Abu Dhabi, the Bahamas, and Brazil. Service, accommodation, and weather received high ratings in Dubai, while sustainability scored lower in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
In Europe, Switzerland and Austria led the regional rankings, with strong scores for landscape and natural attractions.
Holidays remain dominant, business travel recovers
Holiday travel accounted for nearly three-quarters of all international trips in 2025, up 4 percent. Sun-and-beach holidays continued to attract the largest share of travellers, with Spain recording the highest number of international arrivals. Round-trip and nature-focused travel saw steady gains, while event and wellness travel declined slightly.
Business travel increased by six per cent and returned to 2019 levels. MICE travel recorded an eight per cent rise, reflecting renewed activity in meetings and corporate events.
Longer stays and higher spending
The average international trip length rose slightly to around nine nights, supported by the recovery of long-haul travel and air connectivity. Rail travel also recorded above-average growth.
Spending per trip increased by five per cent year-on-year, with accommodation accounting for the largest share. Transport accounted for roughly a quarter of total expenditure, while food and on-the-ground activities made up smaller portions.
Outlook for 2026
Early indicators suggest that international travel demand will remain stable in 2026, with growth rates expected to align with pre-pandemic trends. At the same time, concerns around overtourism and sustainability continue to influence traveller preferences and destination strategies.
Reflecting developments in the Americas, ITB will launch ITB Americas in Guadalajara, Mexico, from 10 to 12 November 2026. The event is designed as a B2B platform connecting stakeholders across North America, Central America, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
At the ITB Berlin Convention 2026, held alongside the trade show from 3 to 5 March, discussions will centre on balancing growth, innovation, and sustainability. Under the theme “Leading Tourism into Balance,” industry representatives from companies including Airbnb, Expedia, Phocuswright, Google, Booking.com, G Adventures, Microsoft, and TUI will share insights on market trends, digital transformation, and evolving business models.
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