Travel & tourism across the EU is forecast to contribute nearly EUR 1.9 trillion to GDP
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), a global tourism organisation, has released its latest Economic Impact Research, predicting that the European Union’s travel and tourism sector will support an additional 4.5 million jobs by 2035, reaching over 30 million.
According to a press statement by WTTC, by 2035, the sector’s GDP contribution is expected to rise to nearly EUR 2.3 trillion, representing just under 11 pc of the EU economy.
Also Read: Global travel & tourism to hit USD 11.7 trillion in 2025: WTTC
The press statement also reveals that the sector will continue to outperform broader economic growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8 pc, compared to 1.3 pc for the EU economy overall.
Further, tax revenues generated by the sector are projected to exceed EUR 900 billion annually.
The press statement also notes that in 2025, travel & tourism across the EU is forecast to contribute nearly EUR 1.9 trillion to GDP, accounting for 10.5 pc of the EU economy.
The WTTC says that employment is expected to reach almost 26 million, representing 12 pc of all EU jobs. Additionally, international visitor spending is projected to reach EUR 573 billion this year, while domestic spending is expected to reach EUR 1.1 trillion.
Moreover, in 2024, the sector contributed almost EUR 1.8 trillion to GDP and supported over 24.5 million jobs across the EU. Domestic visitor spending reached EUR 1 trillion, while international visitor spending grew to EUR 515 billion.
The statement adds that WTTC collaborates annually with Oxford Economics to produce reports on economic and employment impacts for global economies. The sector’s emissions accounted for 12.7 pc of all EU emissions in 2023.
Also Read: EU tourism at a decade high in the first half of 2023: Eurostat
WTTC also welcomed the appointment of Apostolos Tzitzikostas as European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport & Tourism. According to the press statement, at a meeting, the Commissioner announced plans for a sustainable tourism strategy, which WTTC views as a critical roadmap for the future of travel and tourism in the EU.
Julia Simpson
“The EU’s travel and tourism sector continues to show resilience, driving jobs, innovation, and regional growth. The next decade is a chance to build a more connected and sustainable future, strengthening resilience in established tourism destinations and opening new ones across Europe,” says Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC.
“Appointing a commissioner with a dedicated tourism brief is a strong signal that the EU recognises the sector’s power to support communities and boost prosperity. We look forward to working with Commissioner Tzitzikostas to shape policies that match the sector’s scale and opportunity. To seize this moment, governments must back the sector with clear frameworks and investment, embracing destination stewardship to ensure growth benefits both people and planet,” Simpson adds.
The statement adds that WTTC will host its 2025 Global Summit in Rome this September.
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