Published on
November 5, 2025
Canada unites with Mexico, Slovenia, France, Denmark, Japan, and more in a groundbreaking year for international tourism, surpassing expectations and achieving record revenue in the summer of 2025. This unprecedented success highlights a strong recovery and growth in global travel, as these nations united their efforts to promote tourism, enhancing the travel experience for visitors and boosting economic returns across the globe. The surge in international tourism was driven by strategic partnerships, improved travel policies, and increasing demand from global tourists eager to explore new destinations and cultures.
The tourism sector around the world is experiencing an unprecedented growth phase, with Canada, Mexico, Slovenia, France, Denmark, Japan, and other destinations emerging as front-runners in 2025. From increased international arrivals to domestic tourism booms, the summer of 2025 has shattered previous records, contributing to economic prosperity and reshaping global travel dynamics.
Canada: A Record-Breaking Summer for Tourism
Canada’s tourism sector achieved remarkable success during the summer of 2025. The country’s total tourism revenue reached nearly CA$60 billion between May and August, reflecting a 6% increase year-over-year. This surge in revenue came from both domestic and international sources, marking Canada as one of the most sought-after destinations in North America.
The growth was driven by Canadian travellers exploring more of their own country, with domestic tourism spending up 6.9%, particularly from inter-provincial travel. Overseas visitors also fueled the boom, with international tourism revenue increasing by 3.1%—notably from markets outside North America, where spending surged by 10.4%. The record revenue was further underpinned by a 6.9% increase in domestic travel spending, highlighting Canadians’ growing enthusiasm for exploring their own country.
Canada’s accommodation sector experienced notable growth, with national hotel occupancy reaching 80.7% in August 2025, the highest since 2014. Regional growth across provinces, including in rural areas such as Manitoba, Vancouver Island, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, demonstrates a successful dispersal of tourism away from major urban centers, bolstering local economies.
The tourism boom in Canada is a clear reflection of the country’s appeal—both domestically and internationally—and points to a sustained path of opportunity for the sector.
Mexico: A 13.8% Surge in International Visitors
Mexico’s tourism industry also posted remarkable growth in 2025, with 47.4 million international visitors recorded between January and July, marking a 13.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This surge was driven by the country’s rich cultural offerings, expanding flight routes, and government initiatives promoting travel. Mexico’s government is leveraging its diverse regions—from the bustling streets of Mexico City to the serene beaches of Los Cabos—to attract a broad spectrum of travellers.
Summer 2025 saw 5% growth in foreign tourist spending, with visitors spending more on accommodations, restaurants, and digital payments. The strong growth trend was supported by increased airlift from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, creating a dynamic and competitive market for inbound tourism.
In addition, Mexico’s emphasis on sustainable tourism and indigenous experiences, combined with its strategic marketing efforts, has bolstered the nation’s reputation as a top destination for eco-conscious travellers and luxury seekers alike. The country’s tourism infrastructure is seeing massive upgrades, making it even more appealing to both first-time and repeat visitors.
Slovenia: A Hidden Gem with 6% Growth
Slovenia has quietly emerged as one of Europe’s most promising tourism destinations, with a 6% increase in tourism arrivals in the first half of 2025. The country has capitalized on its picturesque landscapes, from the serene Lake Bled to the vibrant capital Ljubljana, drawing visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The summer months saw a rise in the popularity of Slovenia’s sustainable tourism offerings, with more travellers opting for eco-friendly accommodations and outdoor experiences. The country’s tourism marketing campaigns, focusing on nature, culture, and wellness, have proved successful in attracting visitors from Europe and beyond.
Slovenia’s commitment to responsible tourism is evident in its growing infrastructure investments, ensuring that the growth is both sustainable and beneficial for local communities. The country’s tourism industry’s emphasis on spreading economic benefits throughout lesser-known regions has been crucial in its success.
France: Leading the Charge with Record Visitors
France, long a leader in global tourism, continues to set new records, particularly in 2025. With more than 100 million international visitors expected by the end of the year, France is on track to break its own tourism record. The summer months of 2025 saw a 16% increase in bookings for open-air tourism, including camping and holiday villages, indicating a shift toward more nature-based holidays.
France’s tourism revenue has also grown by 6%, with visitor spending reaching new heights. The allure of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, coupled with a resurgence of interest in regional tourism, has been pivotal in this success. With growing interest in French wine regions and rural countryside tours, the demand for off-the-beaten-path experiences is skyrocketing.
Additionally, France’s cultural attractions—museums, galleries, and historical landmarks—are seeing record visitation, further bolstered by government initiatives promoting domestic travel through programs like the France Pass.
Denmark: A 11% Increase in International Receipts
Denmark has also experienced a steady upward trajectory in tourism, with international tourism receipts increasing by 11% in early 2025. The summer season brought significant gains, particularly from visitors seeking Scandinavian culture, sustainable travel options, and modern city breaks.
The country’s capital, Copenhagen, remains a hot spot, but there’s also rising interest in Denmark’s coastal cities, medieval towns, and expansive natural parks. Denmark’s emphasis on eco-tourism, cycling tours, and high-quality hospitality services has made it an increasingly attractive destination for environmentally conscious tourists.
Denmark’s status as one of the world’s happiest countries continues to draw visitors, with more travellers coming from key markets in Europe and North America. The country’s tourism board has capitalized on its high standard of living and innovative design to appeal to a wide range of visitors.
Japan: A Strong Rebound with 18.4% Increase in Arrivals
Japan has seen a remarkable resurgence in tourism with a 18.4% increase in international arrivals during the first seven months of 2025, totaling 24.9 million visitors. Japan’s post-pandemic recovery has been swift, as the country once again becomes a top choice for international travellers seeking to experience its unique culture, advanced technology, and natural beauty.
The country’s famous tourist spots like Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka are seeing high demand, but rural areas, such as Hokkaido and the Japanese Alps, are also attracting more tourists who are keen to explore beyond the well-trodden paths.
Japan’s appeal is further enhanced by major events, such as the Tokyo Olympics legacy, and its commitment to welcoming international tourists with streamlined visa processes and improved infrastructure. The country’s vibrant hospitality sector, including its world-renowned cuisine and luxury accommodations, continues to drive a rise in both visitor numbers and spending.
Other Notable Destinations Contributing to the Growth
In addition to the main players, several other countries have seen strong summer tourism in 2025. Italy continues to be a major player in European tourism, with a solid 5% increase in international arrivals. Spain, another powerhouse, has experienced similar growth, benefiting from both its beaches and cultural offerings.
In Eastern Europe, countries like Poland and Croatia have benefited from growing interest in lesser-known destinations. In the Caribbean, islands such as Dominican Republic and Jamaica have seen strong summer numbers due to their proximity to the U.S. and all-inclusive resorts.
The summer of 2025 has set the stage for a new era in global tourism, with Canada, Mexico, Slovenia, France, Denmark, Japan, and other destinations paving the way for record-breaking arrivals and increased spending. From the scenic views of Slovenia’s lakes to the cultural richness of Japan and the luxury of France’s countryside, the tourism sector has experienced an extraordinary rebound.
For many countries, the increase in international tourists represents more than just economic growth—it’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the travel and tourism industry. As we move forward into the latter part of 2025 and beyond, the momentum is expected to continue, with countries embracing new opportunities for growth, sustainability, and enhanced visitor experiences.
Canada joins with Mexico, Slovenia, France, Denmark, Japan, and more in a groundbreaking year for international tourism, achieving record revenue in summer 2025 due to successful collaborations and robust global demand. This surge reflects a remarkable recovery in the tourism industry, driven by strategic partnerships and a growing interest in travel experiences worldwide.
In this groundbreaking year, international tourism has not only surpassed expectations but has set a new benchmark for what’s possible in the global travel landscape.
