With tourism predicted to contribute EUR 1.9 trillion to the European Union’s economy by 2033, the World Travel and Tourism Council has issued a ‘Call to Action’ for the European Union to maximise its potential.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has issued a ‘Call to Action’, compelling EU stakeholders to support a sector that employs over 22 million people and contributes EUR 1.4 trillion to the European Union’s economy, in a decisive move to shape the sector’s future. 

According to a press statement by WTTC, the ‘Call to Action’ highlights three key areas of focus to modernise and enhance the sector which could see it reach its potential of a EUR 1.9 trillion contribution to the European Union’s economy by 2033.

WTTC forecasts that by 2033, the tourism sector will reach this ‘ground-breaking’ figure, equivalent to EUR 1 in EUR 10 in the European Union’s economy. The Economic Impact Research (EIR) by WTTC also forecasts that the sector will support the creation of almost 4 million more new jobs by 2033, to reach 26.4 million, one in eight jobs across the EU.

Sustainable future

WTTC says it is urging the EU to carry out policy impact assessments on the implementation of legislation on the sector to transition to NetZero emissions targets. It has urged EU leaders to consider the role and commitments already made by the travel and tourism sector, so that any future environmental legislation complements, rather than hinders, the work already being undertaken. 

Supporting ease of travel across borders

WTTC says it aims to facilitate smooth, hassle-free travel across borders that stimulates growth and creates more job opportunities. A critical component of this is simplifying visa processes. 

The global tourism body says it is urging the EU to continue its drive toward visa-free travel and remove existing barriers. WTTC encourages the EU to rollout the already delayed Entry-Exit System to ensure a more seamless traveller experience. 

“The travel and tourism sector is a key driver of economic growth in the EU and the measures within our ‘Call to Action’ will ensure the sector continues to grow sustainably, attract new talent and prosper. We urge the EU to adopt these recommendations for the benefit of businesses and travellers globally. As the sector modernises and unlocks the digital transformation of travel, together with the European Union we can achieve unprecedented growth,’’ says Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO.

Digitalisation of the sector

The digitalisation of the sector is vital and WTTC has asked the EU to accelerate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to increase efficiencies, reduce costs and create opportunities for development and economic growth. 

According to WTTC, the EU should pursue policies that allow for contactless travel and support the innovative implementation of AI across the sector. WTTC will support the EU to enable the digitalisation of passports, streamlining of visa applications and across the whole traveller journey.

WTTC says its ‘Call to Action’ emphasises the opportunity for the EU’s tourism sector to remain competitive, and achieve greater success, ensuring its continued growth and resilience, provided these actions are implemented.