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Global tourism growth slows amid Middle East conflict, rising travel costs

Published : Wednesday, 23 September, 2026 at 4:45 PM

Observer Online Desk

Collected Photo

International tourism growth slowed to just 0.4 per cent in the first half of 2026, marking the weakest expansion since the post-pandemic recovery, according to the latest World Tourism Barometer released by UN Tourism.

An estimated 690 million tourists travelled internationally between January and June, around three million more than during the same period last year. International arrivals grew 2 per cent in the first quarter but declined 1 per cent in the second quarter, including a 3 per cent drop in April, largely due to the shift in the Easter calendar and the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

The slowdown was particularly sharp in June, with Western Europe recording a 6 per cent decline amid severe heatwaves. South-East Asia saw arrivals fall 5 per cent due to weaker intra-Asian demand, airspace disruptions and higher fuel surcharges, while Oceania recorded a 6 per cent decline following Typhoon Sinlaku.

“The sector is absorbing real pressure and finding a way forward. Growth is fragile,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Shaikha Al Nuwais.

UN Tourism has lowered its forecast for global tourism growth in 2026 to 1-2 per cent, from the earlier projection of 3-5 per cent.

In Bangladesh, travel operators in Dhaka said airfares on Middle East routes have increased by 17-25 per cent. Industry insiders said travellers are increasingly looking at short-haul destinations such as Kerala, Rajasthan and Vietnam, where fares remain relatively stable and new travel marts are offering competitive B2B deals.

-AAH

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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

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