Japan, Brazil, and Iceland are among the countries that recorded double-digit growth in international tourist arrivals in 2025, according to a new report by UN Tourism.

The first outlook edition for 2026 notes that Japan posted a 17% increase in international arrivals during the first eleven months of 2025 compared with the same period in 2024. Other destinations experiencing a surge include Brazil, which saw a year-on-year rise of 37%, and Egypt, with arrivals up by 20%.

Brazil’s growing popularity has been driven largely by its vibrant festivals and major concerts, with the Feb. Carnival continuing to draw ever-larger crowds each year.

According to Euronews, Egypt’s strong performance is likely linked to the soft opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Oct. 2024, followed by its official inauguration in Nov. 2025, events that appear to have propelled the country up global “must-visit” travel lists.

In Europe, Iceland recorded the strongest growth in international arrivals, up 29%. Other destinations reporting full-year data include Morocco, which registered a 14% increase, and the Seychelles, where arrivals rose by 13%.

Among countries that released figures through Nov., notable gains were also seen in Bhutan (+30%), Guyana (+24%), and South Africa (+19%).

Overall, international tourist arrivals are estimated to have reached 1.52 billion in 2025. Europe remained the world’s most popular destination region, welcoming 793 million visitors. The report notes that “travel demand remained strong in 2025 despite inflation in tourism services and geopolitical challenges, although it eased somewhat toward the end of the year.”