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Liz Palmer – Wine Journalist receives the 2025 ITER VITIS + The Council of Europe Award for Communication

“I am thrilled and deeply honoured to receive the 2025 ITER VITIS Award for Communication, recognizing my global advocacy in promoting wine culture, education, and responsible tourism.”

The award was presented a few days ago at the ITER VITIS Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece. This inspiring event brought together international experts and institutions to explore how wine tourism can drive a greener, more inclusive, and innovative future across Europe.

My heartfelt “Thank You” to ITER VITIS – Cultural Routes of the Vine and Wine, the Council of Europe’s Cultural Routes Programme, and to all those working to preserve and celebrate the cultural, historical, and sustainable heritage of wine.

This recognition reinforces my lifelong commitment to advancing the dialogue between wine, culture, and sustainability – connecting people and places through the shared language of the vine.

Stay tuned for a full press release!

Liz Palmer
Thessaloniki, Greece

The International Wine Academy’s Historic Appeal to the United Nations

Wine has long transcended its role as a simple beverage, serving instead as a living testament to humanity’s cultural, social, and agricultural heritage. Across civilizations, from the vineyards of Mesopotamia to the cellars of Burgundy and the valleys of Mendoza, wine has symbolized conviviality, peace, and continuity. Today, this millennia-old legacy faces an unprecedented challenge. For the first time in its history, the Académie Internationale du Vin (AIV), a body uniting nearly 100 eminent wine voices from 20 nations, has spoken publicly and unanimously to defend wine against the threat of “denormalization” proposed in global health discourse. Their Appeal below, addressed to the heads of state gathering for the 80th United Nations General Assembly, underscores the profound stakes of reducing wine to a mere health risk: the erosion of culture, heritage, and a universal language of humanity:

APPEAL BY THE INTERNATIONAL WINE ACADEMY TO HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ATTENDING THE UNITED NATIONS 80TH ANNIVERSARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK

Ladies & Gentlemen, Heads of State and Government, On September 25th, at the 4ᵗʰ United Nations High-Level Meeting on the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being, you will be faced with a challenging brief: how can we prevent and control noncommunicable diseases without denying the foundations of our cultures, without erasing what makes our civilization thrive? Wine is at the heart of this question. Too often, it is reduced to a molecule of alcohol. Too simplistically, it is compared to a drug. But too rarely do we think about what it embodies. The International Wine Academy, whose members come from 20 different countries, wishes to alert you against the danger of reducing wine to a mere health risk, thereby forgetting its cultural, social and human dimension. Here is what is at stake. TO DENORMALISE WINE WOULD DESTROY A HERITAGE – A LEGACY OF HUMANITY Wine embodies eight millennia of human history: it is a catalyst for conviviality, joy and sharing; a connection to the land and its landscapes; a universal language linking people – from Georgia to Ancient Greece, from Oregon to Tuscany, from France to New Zealand. Unique yet global, it expresses mankind’s patience before time, humility before the earth, and the desire to celebrate together. Offering a glass of wine is a gesture that expresses peace, friendship, brotherhood, and the joy of being together. Enjoying wine moderately is to defend the culture of taste and restraint, and perpetuate a bond that unites continents, people and generations. It is about appreciating rather than abusing, tasting rather than drinking. It is about approaching health through social and family ties, mental well-being and the joy of life – for the link between happiness and health is undeniable. TO DENORMALISE WINE WOULD DENY ITS BENEFITS AND CLOSE SCIENTIFIC DEBATE PREMATURELY A recent NASEM report (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, USA) concluded that “compared to no alcohol consumption, moderate consumption is associated with lower all-cause mortality.” We do not claim to settle the scientific debate, but, like many experts, we regret the absence of a large-scale randomized trial, the only viable protocol to ground conclusions on certified evidence rather than insufficient observational data. TO DENORMALISE WINE IS TO CHOOSE PROHIBITION OVER EDUCATION AND FREEDOM We are fully aware of the dangers of excess. We recognize the need to prevent addiction, protect the most vulnerable, and combat abuse. We embrace this responsibility, for it is through education that consumers learn to taste, compare and appreciate wine with moderation – becoming ambassadors of balance. Through education, we believe we can both protect individual freedom to enjoy wine without abuse and promote responsibility and control. Wine thus expresses its truth through the transmission of knowledge, and know-how, and teaching moderation. For these reasons, Ladies & Gentlemen, Heads of States and Governments, we call upon you to act in a balanced and nuanced manner: combat excesses but recognize the value of moderation; prevent risks but preserve mankind’s bond with the earth; protect public health but respect the richness of cultures and the strength of traditions. Preserving wine means defending a civilization, a way of life, a living universal heritage, a part of humanity that has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. On behalf of the International Wine Academy Guillaume d’Angerville, President & Véronique Sanders, Chancellor Lausanne, September 2025 www.academievin.org

The AIV’s open letter is not a denial of the need for public health vigilance, but rather a plea for balance, perspective, and nuance. To strip wine of its rightful place in society is to dismiss its contributions to culture, social well-being, and even responsible lifestyle practices rooted in moderation. At stake is more than a product: it is the survival of a heritage that binds generations, nations, and traditions. By defending wine, world leaders defend the principle that humanity’s greatest legacies should be preserved, not erased. The decision now before the United Nations is not solely about health policy; it is about safeguarding civilization’s enduring bond with the earth, with each other, and with the joy of shared experience.

Liz Palmer

Etna Days 2025: A Landmark Edition

This morning, I had the privilege of attending the Etna Days 2025 “Welcome Presentation” and “Technical Tasting” where an extraordinary lineup of Etna DOC wines and producers set the tone for what promises to be a landmark edition.

“The energy and diversity of wines from Mount Etna are simply remarkable.” Liz Palmer

Etna Days 2025 takes place from September 18 to 20 with 90 wineries presenting over 500 labels to over 70 journalists, educators, and trade professionals to celebrate one of the world’s most dynamic terroirs: a living mosaic of lava-stone terraces, ungrafted vines, extreme altitudes, and endlessly shifting microclimates.

Promoted by the Consorzio di Tutela Vini Etna DOC, the event is designed to showcase the extraordinary identity of Etna wines, the very summit of Sicily’s qualitative pyramid.

Anchored at the Picciolo Golf Resort in Castiglione di Sicilia, the program unfolds with guided tours, immersive masterclasses, and a grand walk-around tasting featuring all 500 labels. This evening’s “Gala Dinner” will unite producers, winemakers, and international jurors of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, a testament to the denomination’s growing global prestige.

As Francesco Cambria, President of the Consorzio, emphasizes: “Etna Days is not only about wines—it is about the cultural and identity value of a collective heritage. Each bottle tells a story that intertwines resilience, memory, and vision.”

Etna is more than a vineyard. It is a living laboratory of biodiversity and sustainability, where indigenous varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Carricante thrive on ancient terraces carved from volcanic stone. This heroic viticulture has become emblematic of Sicily’s ability to preserve tradition while forging an avant-garde path on the world stage.

With the collaboration of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and the presence of over 70 international journalists and educators, Etna Days 2025 confirms the denomination’s stature as a global benchmark. Beyond wine, the ambition is holistic: to weave together hospitality, gastronomy, and cultural heritage into a sustainable model of growth for the territory.
For further details: https://consorzioetnadoc.com/en-US/home

International Wine Challenge Reveals the World’s Highest Scoring Wines of 2025

The International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2025 has once again affirmed its position as the most rigorous and influential benchmark of global wine quality. This year’s results highlight the remarkable diversity of viticultural excellence, with nine countries earning recognition across the most prestigious categories, including Champion titles, international trophies, and national trophies. The IWC’s methodological rigour, anchored in blind tastings conducted by panels of leading experts, ensures that these accolades represent the highest standards of international oenology and establish a critical reference point for producers, trade professionals, and consumers.

FRANCE
Burgundy and Languedoc lead the charge for France

France once again proved why it’s the undisputed titan of the wine world, extending its winning streak with a commanding lead in this year’s competition. Its powerhouse regions – Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne – not only outshone the global field, but each region individually scored more Gold and total medals than most entire countries. With 94 Gold, 402 Silver and 379 Bronze, France reinforced its legacy as the benchmark for excellence in winemaking.

Notably, Maison Albert Bichot, the historic Beaune producer, outshone its competitors with its Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Hospices de Beaune Cuvée Cyrot Chaudron 2023, described by judges as ‘perfectly ripe’ and ‘beautiful’.The wine received the prestigious Champion Red Wine accolade, having claimed four trophies earlier this year, including the International Pinot Noir Trophy and French Red Trophy.

Maison Albert Bichot’s Technical Director Matthieu Mangenot was also named Red Winemaker of the Year, making the winery the most awarded in this year’s competition.

Languedoc estate Château Rouquette Sur Mer impressed with its ‘restrained, well-defined’ Cuvée L’Esprit Terroir 2023, which claimed three trophies, including the International Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre Trophy.

France further highlights:

The Champagne Trophy and Vintage Champagne Trophy went to Champagne Lansonfor its Le Clos Lanson Blanc de Blanc 2010, which judges praised as ‘Champagne at its glorious best’.
TheNon-Vintage Champagne Trophy went to Champagne Henriot for its ‘classy’ and ‘lush’ Henriot Cuve 38 – La Réserve Perpétuelle Blanc de Blancs Edition 6.
Maison Albert Bichot picked up further wins for its Chablis Grand Cru Les Vaudésirs Domaine Long-Depaquit 2023 (Chablis Trophy)and Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Domaine du Pavillon 2023 (French Chardonnay Trophy, French White Trophy).

SPAIN
Sherry spearheads success for Spain

Spain made a powerful statement this year, not just with bold reds but with an impressive sweep of white and fortified wines that showcased the country’s incredible diversity. Climbing to second place in the global rankings, Spain took home 32 Golds, 242 Silvers, and 202 Bronzes. Leading the charge was Jerez (Sherry) with 20 of Spain’s 34 Golds, and claimed more trophies than any other Spanish region, with six in total. Not far behind, Rioja continued to prove its pedigree, collecting five trophies of its own.

The historic Bodegas Emilio Lustau asserted itself as the uncontested powerhouse of fortified wine, winning both of the category’s Champion accolades. Its Amontillado Botaina Edicion Limitada En Rama NV was crowned Champion Fortified Wine (Manuel Lozano Trophy), with judges commending it as ‘intensely flavoured’ and ‘amazingly poised’. Earlier this year, the same Sherry triumphed with the Sherry Trophy and Amontillado Trophy.

Cellar Master Sergio Martínez also secured the highly coveted Fortified Winemaker of the Year award for the sixth time and the second year in a row.

Spain further highlights:

The Spanish Red Trophy and the Rioja Trophy was won by Rioja Vega for its ‘really powerful’ and ‘vivid’ Con Gracia de Rioja Vega 2020.
Pazo de La Cuestaalso picked up the Spanish Red Trophy for its Mencía 2022, which was hailed as ‘positively elegant’.

ITALY
Sweet success for Italy continues

Italy shone this year with an array of medal-winning wines from across its many regions. From north to south, the country showcased its depth, tradition, and innovation, captivating the judges and putting it in fifth place overall. With a total of 332 medals, Italy reminded the world that its winemaking legacy is not only alive but constantly evolving.

Despite this national success, it was a sweet wine which stood out in this year’s challenge. For the second year in a row, Tuscan producer Tenuta Di Capezzana won the Champion Sweet Wine (Alois Kracher Trophy) title for its Vin Santo di Carmignano Riserva 2017 – a title won by previous vintages of the same wine in 2022, 2021, and 2019. Judges applauded the wine’s ‘intense aromas’, ‘richness’, and ‘mouthwatering acidity’.

Italy further highlights:

The Italian Red Trophy was awarded to a wine made from the rare Schioppettino grape variety, a dark-skinned grape native to Friuli-Venezia Giulia, with Vigna Traverso taking home the prize with its Schioppettino Di Prepotto Fco 2019.
The Italian White Trophy was awarded to La Canosa Agr. Srl for its Viridis Classico 2024, an ‘aromatic’ and ‘gorgeous’ 100% Verdicchio from the Marche region.
Bisol 1542took home the Italian Sparkling Trophy and Prosecco Trophy for its ‘highly aromatic’ and ‘bright’ Crede Brut, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 2024.

SOUTH AFRICA
Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa shines

Winning 23 Gold medals, up from 15 last year, South Africa, coming in seventh place, impressed the judges with a spread of red and white wines, including Chardonnay, Semillon, Syrah, and Pinotage. The country was awarded the prestigious International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy, claiming the award from Australia, alongside 111 Silvers and 91 Bronzes.

Hailed for its ‘tight, restrained’ flavours and ‘lightly spiced finish’, Stellenbosch producer La Grand Domaine impressed judges with its Grand Vin Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, taking home two trophies, including the renowned International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy and marking the first time in five years that South Africa won an international trophy.

South Africa further highlights:

Boschendal Wines earned the South African Sparkling Trophy for its ‘complex, layered’ Jean Le Long Prestige Cuvee 2012.
The STELLA 2022 from Beau Constantia, described as ‘incredibly appetizing’, took home the South African Red Trophyand South African Syrah Trophy.
Vergelegen Estate was awarded the South African White Trophy for its ‘aromatic’ and ‘elegant’ Vergelegen Estate White 2023.

ARGENTINA
Argentina is still the powerhouse of Malbec

Coming in eighth with 144 medals, Argentina reaffirmed its position as the world leader for Malbec, remaining the only country to have been awarded the International Malbec Trophy. The impressive accolade went to Bodega Fabre for its Phebus Gran Reserva Malbec 2023, which wowed judges with its ‘silky texture’, ‘structure’, and ‘long finish’.

Argentina further highlights:

Huentala Wines’ La Isabel Estate Cofermented Blend 2023 picked up the Argentinian Red Trophy, being praised by judges as a ‘seamless’marriage of Malbec and Cabernet Franc.

ENGLAND
England sets new benchmark for sparkling wine

England continued its impressive rise on the global wine stage, coming in at ninth place and setting a new benchmark for itself in 2025. With 15 Gold medals, up from 13 last year, alongside 59 Silvers and 43 Bronzes, the country’s reputation for quality and consistency is gaining serious momentum. From sparkling standouts to confident still wines, England is proving it’s no longer a newcomer, it’s a contender.

West Sussex winery Nyetimber secured a coveted spot in the top 12 with its Blanc de Blancs Magnum 2016, which was crowned Champion Sparkling Wine (Daniel Thibault Trophy), marking the first time the award has gone to a wine outside of Champagne. The achievement builds on the wine’s glittering record in this year’s challenge, having already earned a Gold medal as well as both the English Sparkling Trophy and the English Blanc de Blancs Trophy. Judges praised the bubbly as ‘a time capsule of a wine’.

Nyetimber’s Head Winemaker, Cherie Spriggs, was also named Sparkling Winemaker of the Year, becoming the only person outside of France to have won it twice.

England further highlights

Lyme Bay took home the English Red Trophy for its ‘beautiful’ and ‘complex’ Pinot Noir 2021, as well as the English White Trophy for its Martin’s Lane Chardonnay 2020, the first time that the same producer has won both the red and the white trophy. After blind-tasting the Chardonnay, the judges at the IWC exclaimed: ‘Burgundy, eat your heart out!’

AUSTRIA
Austria impresses with Riesling

Austria came in at 14^th this year with 55 medals, including eight Golds, but it was a Riesling which received the top recognition. Three trophies, including the International Riesling Trophy, went to Weingut Birgit Eichinger’s Riesling Ried Heiligenstein 1öTw Kamptal Dac 2023, which judges commended as a ‘fabulous example of Austrian Riesling’.

Austria further highlights

Weingut Tschida Angerhof claimed the Austrian Sweet Trophy for its ‘remarkable’ Sämling 88 Beerenauslese 2021.

International Wine Challenge 2025: global wines judged best in show

France	Clos de la Roche Grand Cru Hospices de Beaune Cuvée Cyrot Chaudron 2023, Maison Albert Bichot	IWC Champion Red Wine 2025, International Pinot Noir Trophy, French Red Trophy, Clos de la Roche Trophy, French Pinot Noir Trophy
	Chablis Grand Cru Les Vaudésirs Domaine Long-Depaquit 2023, Maison Albert Bichot	Chablis Trophy, Les Vaudésirs Chardonnay
	Meursault 1er Cru Les Charmes Domaine du Pavillon 2023, Maison Albert Bichot	French White Trophy, French Chardonnay Trophy, Meursault Trophy, Les Charmes Trophy
	Cuvée L’Esprit Terroir 2023, Château Rouquette sur Mer	International GSM Trophy, French GSM Trophy, La Clape Trophy
	Le Clos Lanson Blanc de Blanc 2010, Champagne Lanson	Champagne Trophy, Vintage Champagne Trophy, Vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne Trophy
	Henriot Cuve 38 – La Réserve Perpétuelle Blanc de Blancs, Edition 6, Champagne Henriot	Non-Vintage Champagne Trophy, Non-Vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagne Trophy
Spain	Amontillado Botaina Edicion Limitada En Rama NV, Emilio Lustau	IWC Champion Fortified Wine 2025 – Manuel Lozano Trophy, Sherry Trophy, Amontillado Trophy
	Con Gracia de Rioja Vega 2020, Rioja Vega	Spanish Red Trophy, Rioja Trophy, Rioja Graciano Trophy
	Mencía 2022, Pazo de La Cuesta	Spanish Red Trophy, Ribeira Sacra Mencia Trophy
Australia	Chardonnay 2023, Tolpuddle Vineyard	Champion White Wine, International Chardonnay Trophy, Australian White Trophy, Australian Chardonnay Trophy, Tasmanian Chardonnay Trophy
	Pinot Noir 2023, Tolpuddle Vineyard	Australian Red Trophy, Australian Pinot Noir Trophy
	Museum Release Blanc de Blancs 2006, House of Arras	Australian Sparkling Trophy
	Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon 2021, De Bortoli Wines	Botrytis Trophy
	Old Premium Rare Muscat NV, Morris Wines	Muscat Trophy, Australian Fortified Trophy
	127 Milestone 2022, Ponting Wines	Australian Shiraz Trophy, Barossa Valley Shiraz Trophy
	Bin 169 Cabernet Sauvignon,Penfolds 2022, Treasury Wine Estates	Australian Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy, Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy
	McGuigan Bin 9000 Semillon 2017, Australian Vintage Limited	Australian Semillon Trophy, Hunter Valley Semillon Trophy
Italy	Vinsanto Capezzana Riserva 2017, Tenuta Di Capezzana	IWC Champion Sweet Wine 2025 – Alois Kracher Trophy, Italian Sweet Trophy, Vin Santo Trophy
	Schioppettino Di Prepotto Fco 2019, Vigna Traverso	Italian Red Trophy, Schioppettino Friuli-Venezia Giulia Trophy
	Viridis Classico 2024, La Canosa Agr. Srl	Italian White Trophy, Marche White Trophy
	Crede Brut, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 2024, Bisol1542	Italian Sparkling Trophy, Prosecco Trophy
New Zealand	1 Merlot 2021, Church Road	International Merlot Trophy, New Zealand Merlot Trophy, Gimblett Gravels Merlot Trophy
	Syrah 2024, Glenora Estate	International Syrah Trophy, New Zealand Syrah, Waiheke Island Syrah Trophy
	Reserve Coastal Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Villa Maria	International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Trophy
	Caroline’s Pinot Noir 2021, Clos Ostler	New Zealand Red Trophy, New Zealand Pinot Noir Trophy, North Otago Pinot Noir Trophy
	Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2022, Church Road	New Zealand White Trophy, New Zealand Chardonnay Trophy, Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Trophy
	Letter Series B Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2023, Brancott Estate	Late Harvest Dessert Trophy
South Africa	Grand Vin Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, La Grand Domaine	International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy, Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy
	Jean Le Long Prestige Cuvee 2012, Boschendal Wines	South African Sparkling Trophy
	STELLA 2022, Beau Constantia	South African Red Trophy, South African Syrah Trophy
	Vergelegen Estate White 2023, Vergelegen Estate	South African White Trophy, Stellenbosch Semillon /SB blend Trophy
Argentina	Phebus Gran Reserva Malbec 2023, Bodega Fabre	International Malbec Trophy, Mendoza Malbec Trophy
Argentina	La Isabel Estate Cofermented Blend 2023, Huentala Wines	Argentinian Red Trophy, Argentinian Malbec Blend Trophy
England	Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs Magnum 2016, Nyetimber	IWC Champion Sparkling Wine 2025 – Daniel Thibault Trophy, English Sparkling Trophy, English Blanc de Blancs Trophy
	Pinot Noir 2021, Lyme Bay	English Red Trophy, English Pinot Noir Trophy
	Martin’s Lane Chardonnay 2020, Lyme Bay	English White Trophy, English Chardonnay Trophy
Austria	Riesling Ried Heiligenstein 1öTw Kamptal Dac 2023, Weingut Birgit Eichinger	International Riesling Trophy, Austrian White Trophy, Niederösterreich Riesling Trophy
Austria	Sämling 88 Beerenauslese 2021, Weingut Tschida Angerhof	Austrian Sweet Trophy

Chris Ashton, Director, International Wine Challenge, said, ‘This year’s competition saw a record number of medals awarded, showcasing the remarkable standard of winemaking across the globe. Achieving a Trophy is an extraordinary honour and the wines featured here truly represent the very best of the best in the world.’

The full list of Trophy and Champion winners at the 2025 International Wine Challenge can be viewed https://www.internationalwinechallenge.com/trophy-results-2025.html

Global Tourism Rebounds: 690 Million Travellers Drive 2025 Growth Despite Global Uncertainty

The international tourism sector demonstrated notable resilience in the first half of 2025, recording a 5% increase in global arrivals compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest UN Tourism data. This upward trajectory translated into approximately 690 million international tourist movements between January and June, a figure that underscores both the sector’s adaptability to persistent global challenges and its pivotal role in sustaining economic growth. Despite uneven performance across regions, the data reflects tourism’s continued capacity to drive employment, stimulate investment, and reinforce cultural exchange, while simultaneously highlighting the urgent need for sustainable, inclusive policy frameworks.

Regional Performance Breakdown (January–June 2025)

The global overview conceals important regional disparities in tourism performance during the first half of 2025, underscoring the uneven pace of recovery and growth:

Africa registered the strongest performance worldwide, with international arrivals up 12% year-on-year. Both North Africa (+14%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (+11%) achieved double-digit growth, reflecting the region’s increasing competitiveness and diversification of source markets.

Europe, hosting nearly 340 million international visitors in the first half of the year, grew 4% compared to 2024 and 7% compared to 2019. Growth was concentrated in Northern, Western, and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%), while Central and Eastern Europe rebounded strongly (+9%) but remained below pre-pandemic benchmarks.

The Americas presented a more fragmented picture, recording 3% overall growth. South America (+14%) emerged as a regional leader, while Central America (+2%) saw modest expansion. In contrast, North America (+0%) and the Caribbean (+0%) plateaued, largely due to softening demand from U.S. travellers.

The Middle East experienced a 4% decline in arrivals compared to the same period of 2024, reflecting volatility after its strong post-pandemic rebound. Nevertheless, the region’s performance remains remarkable at +29% relative to 2019, highlighting its expanded capacity to attract long-haul travel.

Asia and the Pacific advanced by 11% year-on-year, reaching 92% of pre-pandemic levels. North-East Asia (+20%) posted the sharpest rebound, though it remained below 2019 figures. Major destinations such as Japan (+21%), Vietnam (+21%), and the Republic of Korea (+15%) stood out, while Malaysia, Indonesia (+9%), and Hong Kong (+7%) showed gradual stabilization.

The trajectory of international tourism in 2025 demonstrates both its economic potential and its vulnerability to macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures. While strong growth in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Europe suggests an enduring appetite for travel, elevated inflation, fluctuating consumer confidence, and regional disparities underscore the necessity of adaptive governance and industry innovation. As the UN Tourism Confidence Index projects cautious optimism for the remainder of the year, stakeholders are reminded that resilience must be coupled with sustainability. Ultimately, tourism’s long-term vitality will depend not only on the volume of arrivals but on the sector’s ability to foster equitable benefits, mitigate environmental pressures, and contribute meaningfully to local economies and global cultural interconnectedness.

Sources: UN Tourism Confidence Index
World Tourism Barometer