Global travel sector grows despite headwinds, with 2026 international arrivals set to hit record 1.57 billion

A new World Travel Market report finds global tourism is growing despite conflicts and economic uncertainty, projecting a record 1.57 billion international arrivals in 2026. Overall tourism spending is also higher, with over half of the increase due to inflation and continued demand for luxury experiences. Chatbot use for itinerary planning has jumped, but only a third of travelers trust AI agents to complete bookings. Paris and other French cities affected by protests remain attractive, with traveler recovery faster than in the past.