The year 2025 is gone. Air travel data shows stable demand for classic global hubs. Selected travel destinations also saw impressive growth. This data comes from ForwardKeys' year-end analysis of international arrivals for leisure and business travel.
London kept its title as the world's most visited destination, and Tokyo and Paris followed closely. This result highlights the lasting appeal of major cities.
Global Leaders: Stability in the Top Tier
London held its position as the top international destination by air arrivals. Tokyo increased its share by 2.3% and took second place. Paris climbed to third with 2.0% share growth.
These shifts indicate a steady demand for iconic urban experiences.
Standout Growth Performers
Several travel destinations posted an impressive double-digit gain compared to 2024 results:
- Madrid and Alicante (Spain): +10%
- Punta Cana (Dominican Republic): +9%
- Dubai (UAE) and Marrakech (Morocco): +8% each
These hotspots drove momentum. They mix beach appeal with cultural and luxury attractions.
Asia-Pacific Surge, Led by North Asia
The APAC region kept strong momentum. North Asia performed well as China recovered:
- Okinawa (Japan): +36%
- Beijing: +29%
- Shanghai: +27%
- Guangzhou: +26%
This shows recovering demand in mainland China. It also confirms that Japan remains popular.
Business Travel Highlights
Corporate trips grew in the key world hubs:
- Shanghai: Fastest-growing (+10% year-on-year)
- Tokyo: +9%
- Madrid: +5%, holding the largest share among top performers (2.2%)
These trends show confidence in economic recovery across Asia and Europe. The year 2025 showed resilience. Timeless favorites like London, Tokyo, and Paris endured. Recovering spots like Madrid, Dubai, and Chinese cities added energy to global air travel.
