Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli stated at a news conference on people's livelihood during the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress that China is ramping up efforts to promote the integration of culture and tourism, sharing its landscapes, culture, history, and modern life with global visitors. In 2025, inbound tourist trips exceeded 150 million, up more than 17 percent year-on-year, while spending surpassed $130 billion, an increase of over 40 percent. Authorities will continue improving the full inbound tourism chain to make travel to China easier.
Africa welcomed a record 81 million international visitors in 2025, marking an 8% increase and highlighting the continent's growing appeal as a travel destination. Nigeria emerged as a key contributor with over 1.5 million arrivals, joining nations like South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco in driving this boom. The surge is fueled by improved infrastructure and diverse attractions, boosting economic opportunities across the region.
In 2026, Zimbabwe has surpassed established African tourism hubs like South Africa, Tanzania, Ghana, Namibia, Mozambique, and Morocco to become the continent's top travel spot. The country's natural beauty, wildlife experiences, and cultural heritage are drawing global visitors seeking adventure and eco-tourism. This shift highlights Zimbabwe's focus on sustainable development and infrastructure improvements.
Kenya has introduced the ‘Experience Wonder’ campaign to promote its tourism offerings worldwide. The initiative highlights wildlife, adventures, culture, and beaches to attract diverse travelers. Unveiled at ITB Berlin 2026, it aims for five million international arrivals by 2027.
Several Southeast Asian countries are introducing or maintaining tourism taxes in 2026 to fund sustainable practices and infrastructure. Thailand will levy a 300-baht entry fee on foreign visitors starting February, while Bali requires a one-time IDR 150,000 payment. Malaysia applies a nightly room tax, and Vietnam has no specific entry fee but ongoing tax discussions.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the escalation of tensions in Iran is disrupting air transport and tourist flows in the Middle East, leading to losses of at least 600 million dollars per day in international visitor spending. Major regional hubs are facing temporary closures and restrictions, weakening global connectivity. Despite these effects, the sector remains resilient and can recover quickly with appropriate support.
Amid economic growth and regional agreements, experts argue that the Philippine travel tax is an anachronistic burden that should be phased out. Rooted in history from the 1950s, this levy no longer fits the current era. Its revenues are not effectively used for tourism, sparking frustration among Filipinos.