Category: Wine

Global tourism surges ahead: record arrivals in the first nine months of 2025

International tourist arrivals grew 5% in January through to September 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 and 3% above the pre-pandemic year 2019.

According to the latest edition of the World Tourism Barometer, over 1.1 billion tourists travelled internationally between January and September this year, about 50 million more than in the same period of 2024.

Results reflect sustained travel demand throughout the year despite high inflation in tourism services and mixed traveller confidence due to geopolitical and trade tensions. The third quarter saw a 4% increase over 2024 with a strong Northern Hemisphere summer season.

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili states: “International tourism has continued to experience sustained growth so far in 2025 in terms of international arrivals and most importantly in receipts, despite high inflation in tourism services and geopolitical tensions. Africa and Europe in particular stand out for their results.”

International tourism has continued to experience sustained growth so far in 2025 in terms of international arrivals and, most importantly, in receipts, despite high inflation in tourism services and geopolitical tensions

Africa continues to see the strongest performance among regions

The latest World Tourism Barometer analyzes international tourism over the first nine months of 2025 by region and sub-region. Key takeaways include:

Africa saw a 10% increase in arrivals through September, according to limited available data. Both North Africa (+11%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (+10%) recorded double-digit growth in arrivals.

Europe, the world’s largest destination region, saw 625 million international tourists between January and September 2025, a 4% increase from the same months in 2024. All European subregions enjoyed solid results during the third quarter, reflecting a strong summer season. Western Europe (+5%) and Southern Mediterranean Europe (+3%) saw robust performance, while Northern Europe (-1%) recorded more modest results. Central and Eastern Europe continued to rebound strongly (+8%), though arrivals remained 11% below 2019 levels.

The Americas recorded 2% growth this period, with a 3% increase in Q1 and Q2 but a slight drop in Q3 (-1%). Results among subregions were mixed. South America (+9%) enjoyed the best performance, despite a flat third quarter. North America (-1%) saw weaker results, partly due to small declines in the United States and Canada. Arrivals in Central America increased 3% through September, while the Caribbean (+1%) recorded comparatively more modest growth.

Arrivals in the Middle East grew 2% in January-September compared to the same period in 2024. This represents 33% more arrivals than in 2019, the strongest regional results relative to the pre-pandemic year.

Arrivals in Asia and the Pacific grew 8% in the first nine months of 2025, reaching 90% of pre-pandemic numbers (-10% compared to January-September 2019) as the region continues to recover. North-East Asia stood out with a 17% increase in arrivals relative to 2024 but remained 12% below 2019 levels.

Some of the highest growth rates in arrivals in January-September 2025 were recorded in Brazil (+45% versus 2024), Vietnam and Egypt (both +21%), as well as Ethiopia and Japan (both +18%). South Africa reported 17% growth, Sri Lanka and Mongolia both 16%, and Morocco 14%. All of these destinations have already surpassed 2019 levels.

According to IATA, international air traffic (RPKs) grew 7% in January-September 2025 versus the same months of 2024. International air capacity (ASKs) increased 6% in these nine months. Global occupancy in accommodation establishments reached 68% in September 2025, matching the rate of September 2024 (based on STR data).

Strong visitor spending across most destinations

Monthly data on international tourism receipts show strong visitor spending in several destinations through September 2025. Japan (+21%), Nicaragua (+19%), Egypt (+18%), Mongolia and Morocco (both +15%), Latvia (+13%), Brazil (+12%) and France (+9%) were among the best performers in terms of growth in receipts in the first nine months of 2025.

Strong demand can also be seen in outbound spending from some large markets such as the United States (+7% through August), France (+5%), Germany and Italy (both +4%), as well as Spain (+15% through August) and the Republic of Korea (+7%).

Results on track to reach projected growth for 2025, despite challenges

According to UN Tourism’s projection in January this year, international tourist arrivals are expected to grow 3% to 5% in 2025. While results through September are in line with UN Tourism’s forecast, factors such as high travel prices and a challenging geopolitical environment remain important downside risks.

The latest data confirms what destinations, airlines, and hospitality leaders have been sensing all year: global travel is not just recovering, it’s accelerating with remarkable strength. Rising arrivals across every region, combined with solid visitor spending and improving air capacity, show that tourism’s momentum is both broad and resilient. Despite inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainties, travellers continue to explore, connect, and invest in experiences at scale. As the industry heads into the final stretch of 2025, the outlook remains strongly positive. Tourism is proving once again that it is one of the world’s most adaptable sectors, shaping cultures, supporting economies, and moving confidently into a new era of growth.

SOURCE:  UN TOURISM

VIK, Chile, Named the World’s Best Vineyard 2025

The list of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025 has been revealed at an awards ceremony in Margaret River, Western Australia, yesterday, with Vik (No.1), Millahue, Chile, named as The World’s Best Vineyard 2025. The list features vineyards from 15 destinations across six continents, with 11 new entries.

Vik succeeds the 2024 winner, Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal in Rioja, Spain, now part of the Hall of Fame. Vik is a pioneering winery and luxury hotel spanning a 4,450-hectare nature reserve, with 327 hectares of vineyards planted across 12 distinct microclimates. The winery combines sustainable viticulture with striking architecture.

Schloss Johannisberg (No.2), Rheingau, Germany, is named the Best Vineyard in Europe, renowned as the world’s first Riesling winery, with over 1,200 years of winemaking heritage. Bodegas Ysios in Rioja, Spain, is ranked at No.3.

Klein Constantia Wine Estate (No.6), Western Cape, South Africa, is named the Best Vineyard in Africa and recipient of the Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Jack’s Creek, climbing 35 places since 2024.

Aperture Cellars (No.14) in Sonoma, USA, earns the Highest New Entry Award.

Highest Climber Award, sponsored by Jack’s Creek, goes to Klein Constantia Wine Estate (No.6), Western Cape, South Africa, also awarded The Best Vineyard in Africa.

The Best Vineyard in North America goes to Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Alexander Valley, USA (No.13), renowned for immersive experiences among rolling hills, olive groves and sustainable vineyards. 98Wines, Yamanashi, Japan, wins The Best Vineyard in Asia (No.20), offering a multisensory vineyard experience with views of Mt. Fuji.

The Best Vineyard in Australasia is awarded to Cloudy Bay Vineyards, Marlborough, New Zealand (No.26), a new entry in the list, while Aperture Cellars, Sonoma, USA, earns the Highest New Entry Award (No.14).

For the full list, see here: https://www.theworlds50best.com/stories/News/the-worlds-50-best-vineyards-2025-the-list.html

OIV Releases 2025 World Wine Production First Estimates

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) published yesterday its annual first estimates for global wine production in 2025.

The initial forecast for 2025 is between 228 and 235 million hectolitres, with a mid-range estimate of 232 million hectolitres. That is a 3% increase on the historically low 2024 harvest, but still 7% below the 5-year average.

Italy remains the world’s largest wine producer in 2025 (47.3 Mhl), ahead of France  (35.9 Mhl) and Spain (29.4 Mhl). The USA is fourth, while Australia bounces back from the smaller 2024 harvest to regain its place as the world’s fifth producer in 2025, ahead of sixth-placed Argentina, which is the biggest producer in South America.

Despite regional contrasts, the global wine market is likely to remain broadly balanced, as limited production growth will help to stabilize stocks in a context of softening demand and ongoing trade uncertainties.

These first estimates are presented in a new report available on the OIV website (World Wine Production Outlook) and will be updated according to the last 2025 consolidated data. The final data on 2025 global wine production will be announced by the OIV in the second trimester of 2026 and published in the annual OIV report: “State of the World Vine and Wine Sector”.

About the OIV
The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) The OIV is a scientific and technical intergovernmental organization, and the world reference to the vine and wine sector. The OIV currently has 51 Member States, countries producing and consuming grapes and wine, which account for 90% of the world’s vineyard surface area, 88% of global wine production and 75% of global wine consumption. Twice a year, over 500 experts come together to assess, discuss and approve by consensus resolutions on the following:

1/ Viticulture and table grapes

2/ Oenology and methods of analysis

3/ Law and economics of the vine and wine

4/ Consumer health and safety

For a century, the OIV has been at the forefront of all global vitivinicultural matters, providing standards, guidance and information for the vine and wine sector.

Global Wine Tourism Spotlight: The World’s 50 Best Vineyards Reveals the 51–100 List for 2025

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards has unveiled its much-anticipated 51–100 list for 2025, setting the stage for the grand awards ceremony in Margaret River, Western Australia, on November 19. This extended ranking celebrates the most inspiring vineyard experiences across the globe, from Portugal’s dramatic Douro Valley to the sun-drenched hills of Marlborough, New Zealand. Recognized for their exceptional wine tourism, craftsmanship, and sense of place, these vineyards represent the pinnacle of destination wine culture, as voted by over 700 international experts, including leading sommeliers, journalists, and wine tourism specialists.

The 51-100 list includes vineyards from six continents and 38 wine regions. There are 18 new entries from 17 regions, from Champagne, France, to Tokaj, Hungary, with 33 entries from Europe, six from South America, five from Oceania, four from Africa, one from Asia and one from North America. The highest new entry is Wairau River Wines in Marlborough, New Zealand (No.52).

Europe gained 11 new entries in the 51-100 list, with three from Italy. Vineyards in Portugal take eight spots, the most out of any country, with the Douro Valley claiming six of these. Spain gains three vineyards in the list with a new entry from Bodegas Arzuaga in Ribera del Duero (No.64). The UK sees a new entry with Leonardslee Family Vineyards in Sussex (No.56). In Hungary, Tokaj-Hétszőlő Organic Vineyards (No.58) makes its debut and the first vineyard from Kakheti, Georgia enters the list with Château Buera (No.72).

South America celebrates one new entry with Sitio La Estocada (No.91) in Mendoza, Argentina. South Africa secures two new entries, with La Motte Wine Estate (No.94) and Hamilton Russell Vineyards (No.99). New Zealand welcomes three new entries with Wairau River Wines in Marlborough (No.52), Greystone Winery (No.89), and Felton Road in Central Otago (No.98).

Lebanon claims one entry on this year’s list with Chateau Kefraya (No.92), while the USA also attains a vineyard with Beringer Vineyards (No.88) in Napa Valley.

William Drew, Director of Content for The World’s 50 Best Vineyards, comments: “This year’s extended list is a vibrant showcase of excellence in global wine tourism, featuring vineyards across six continents. We’re thrilled to welcome new entries and recognize more world-class vineyards and the people behind them.”

Watch for the announcement of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025 on the “50 Best” social channels on November 19.

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards Reveals 51–100 List: here 

Georgia’s Wine Tourism Boom: $4.6 Billion Forecast Fuels Record Growth and Global Recognition

Nestled among Kakheti’s vineyards and Tbilisi’s age-old streets, Georgia is crafting a narrative perhaps even richer than its famous qvevri wines. Galt & Taggart, the investment firm, now projects that tourism revenue could hit $4.6 billion by 2025, a slight increase from its prior estimate of $4.5 billion. This celebrates a sector that’s not just recovering but really shaping the country’s future economy.

With impressive data from the year’s first nine months, this boost confirms tourism’s role as a powerful engine, attracting foreign investment, creating jobs, and fostering growth that has Georgia doing better than many other countries.

The update, found in Galt & Taggart’s most recent Weekly Investment Review, isn’t just a shot in the dark. It’s based on concrete progress: the National Bank of Georgia shows $3.6 billion in tourism money came in from January to September, marking a 5.1 percent rise year-over-year. The third quarter by itself brought in a dazzling $1.7 billion, up 6.6 percent compared to 2024, suggesting that tourists are choosing Georgia for summer and fall travel. “Based on the actual figures from the initial three quarters of 2025, we expect that tourism income will total $4.6 billion,” the report states, showing how strong demand is, despite some global uncertainty.

Georgia’s Tourism Is a Pillar of Prosperity

Tourism isn’t a minor part of Georgia’s economy; it’s central, supporting foreign currency reserves and providing job opportunities. Since the pandemic, the industry has thrived, with first-half 2025 earnings reaching a record $2 billion, a 3.8 percent increase from 2024, or even more impressive, a 35.4 percent jump over pre-COVID levels in 2019. There are many more direct flights from Europe now, serving both airlines and travellers, and smart marketing showcases Georgia’s mix of Soviet history, Silk Road influences, and Black Sea beaches.

This growth goes hand in hand with wider economic improvements. Georgia’s GDP grew substantially by 9.4 percent in 2024, making it one of the fastest-growing economies. Since 2000, per capita GDP has increased by 370 percent, with predictions from Batumi Projects suggesting it could climb by 500 percent by 2030. Galt & Taggart’s analysts foresee more variety in the future, with specialized tourism like eco-tours and cultural experiences, helping the sector to remain strong into 2026 and beyond. In a region with ongoing conflicts, Georgia’s focus on hospitality is paying off, bringing in reliable income that provides stability and highlights the country’s “peaceful future” goals.

Kakheti’s Wine Tourism Ferments a Luxury Legacy

Central to this success is Kakheti, the heart of Georgia in the southeast, and the main area for wine production, creating 75 percent of the nation’s wines. Formerly less known among wine enthusiasts, the area is now attracting high-end visitors seeking a unique and historical “wine experience.”

Wine tourism here is not just about basic tastings; it’s about exploring 8,000 years of history, from wines fermented in clay to exclusive wine cellars also acting as art galleries.

The progress is clear. Between 2020 and 2022, several new wine-focused hotels opened in Telavi, the main town in Kakheti, combining local charm with luxury services. There are about 20 high-quality properties planned nationwide for 2025-2028, turning quiet villages into attractive destinations. This development mirrors the increase in exports; in 2024, 95 million litres were exported, earning $276.1 million, with a 6 percent rise in volume and a 7 percent increase in income. New markets like the UAE (+80 percent), Turkey (+62 percent), and the UK (+42 percent) are embracing Georgian wines, even though Russia still consumes nearly two-thirds of the exports.

Wine production, Georgia’s second-biggest export sector (after mining), is closely linked to tourism, much like vines on a supporting frame. Visitors don’t just sample the wine; they become part of it, like going on vineyard walks. Perhaps by engaging in traditional winemaking classes or sharing stories of hardship amidst authentic culinary experiences. “Georgians have a strong sense of confidence regarding their viniculture,” is a common sentiment, and this devotion is seemingly proving successful, drawing an affluent demographic which may soon compete with the prestigious wineries of Bordeaux.

Source:  Wine Tourism Review