Tourism Is Strong Despite Economic Headwinds
Tourism is excepted to grow world wide where by jobs around the world are many ,hence providing economies across the world at large.
The World Travel Council’s latest research shows that global Travel & Tourism is projected to grow strongly this year.
Reaffirming its role as cornerstone to major world economies, as travelers are expected to spend more than ever before.
According to WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Research (EIR), international visitor spending is forecast to reach an historic $2.1TN in 2025, surpassing the previous high of $1.9TN in 2019 by $164BN.
This year, Travel is expected to contribute an all-time high of $11.7TN to the global economy, accounting for 10.3% of global GDP.
Jobs around the world supported by the sector are expected to grow by 14MN in 2025, to reach 371MN worldwide, more than the population of the U.S.
the global picture in Travel & Tourism is strong, the recovery remains uneven. Whilst some countries and regions are producing record-breaking numbers, other large economies are plateauing.
Whilst there is some positive news for many economies around the world, in a number of major Travel & Tourism markets such as the U.S., China, and Germany, growth has slowed.
The world’s most powerful Travel & Tourism market, international visitor spend remained while international spending was above pre-pandemic levels last year, growth is expected to slow sharply in 2025.
European countries such as France and Spain, the world’s top two destinations in terms of visitor numbers, continue to lead the region’s resurgence, powered by smart investment and global appeal.
A Look Back on Last Year
According to the global tourism body’s latest EIR data, in 2024, Travel & Tourism contributed 10% of the world’s economy ,an 8.5% increase on 2023, and 6% above the previous peak .
Jobs grew 6.2% to reach 357MN, accounting for one in 10 jobs around the world.
That’s a decade-long growth rate of 3.5% annually, outpacing the wider economy’s 2.5%.
Jobs are expected to reach one in eight jobs, with more than 460MN.
International spending is anticipated to reach $2.9TN, with a CAGR of 3.4%, and domestic spending will grow at a similar rate (3.3%), to reach $7.7TN.
In collaboration with Oxford Economics, WTTC produces reports annually on the economic and employment impact of Travel & Tourism for 184 economies.
Each year, WTTC also releases its groundbreaking Environmental Social Research underscoring the critical need for continued sustainable innovation as Travel & Tourism expands.
Compiled by
World Travel News, Gorilla Trekking Uganda and Gorilla Trekking Rwanda
