WTTC forecasts global Travel & Tourism to reach USD 16.5 trillion
In its latest economic forecast, the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), a leading global tourism organisation, projects that the travel and tourism sector will generate a record USD 11.7 trillion in 2025. This will account for 10.3 pc of the global GDP, reflecting the sector’s strong recovery and continued growth despite global economic uncertainty.
WTTC report produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics, highlights the sector’s environmental footprint, with emissions accounting for 6.5 pc of the global total in 2023
In a press statement, WTTC says that the international visitor spending is expected to reach an all-time high of USD 2.1 trillion, surpassing the 2019 peak of USD 1.9 trillion.
It adds that the sector will also support 371 million jobs worldwide 14 million more than the previous year.
The statement adds that despite ongoing economic uncertainty, the WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows continued resilience and growth across the industry, though recovery patterns remain uneven across different regions.
It adds that while countries like France, Spain and Saudi Arabia are seeing accelerated growth and investment, other major markets including the United States, China and Germany are experiencing a slowdown.
WTTC says that in 2024, the sector contributed USD 10.9 trillion to the global economy (10 pc of global GDP), an 8.5 pc increase from 2023. International spending rose nearly 12 pc to USD 1.87 trillion, while domestic tourism spending climbed to USD 5.3 trillion.
Julia Simpson
It adds that by 2035, the WTTC forecasts global Travel & Tourism to reach USD 16.5 trillion, or 11.5 pc of global GDP, supporting over 460 million jobs around one in eight jobs worldwide.
According to WTTC report, produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics, also highlights the sector’s environmental footprint, with emissions accounting for 6.5 pc of the global total in 2023, reinforcing the need for sustainable innovation.
“People are continuing to prioritise travel. That is a powerful vote of confidence in our sector and a sign of its enduring strength. But while the global picture in travel and tourism is strong, the recovery remains uneven. Whilst some countries and regions are producing record-breaking numbers, other large economies are plateauing,” says Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC.
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