The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts a staggering $16.5 trillion contribution to the global economy by 2035, highlighting the sector’s robust growth
The global Travel & Tourism sector is on the cusp of unprecedented growth, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicting a massive $16.5 trillion contribution to the world economy by 2035.
This decade-long expansion is projected to represent 11.5% of global GDP, reflecting the industry’s strong resilience and increasing demand across all continents.
According to the WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Research, international visitor spending is forecast to reach a record high of $2.1 trillion this year, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 2019.
The total sector contribution in 2025 is expected to hit $11.7 trillion, accounting for 10.3% of global GDP. In real terms, this represents a $164 billion increase compared to the previous high in 2019.
Despite ongoing economic turbulence affecting various industries globally, Travel & Tourism remains a crucial pillar of the world economy. The sector is also projected to support 371 million jobs in 2025, a significant increase of 14 million compared to the previous year – exceeding the entire population of the United States.
The WTTC report highlights an uneven recovery pattern across different regions. Some of the world’s largest travel economies, including the U.S., China, and Germany, are currently experiencing a slowdown in growth.
In the U.S., international visitor spending remained below 2019 levels in 2024 and is not expected to fully recover this year. China, having surpassed pre-pandemic international spending in 2024, is now anticipating a sharp deceleration in growth for 2025.
However, other nations are demonstrating strong momentum. Saudi Arabia, for instance, is making substantial investments of $800 billion in the sector as part of its broader economic diversification strategy.
Meanwhile, traditional tourism powerhouses like France and Spain continue to witness robust growth, driven by their global appeal and strategic investments in tourism infrastructure.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, commented, “People are continuing to prioritise travel. That’s a powerful vote of confidence in our sector and a sign of its enduring strength.” She further noted that while the overall outlook is positive, the sector’s growth patterns vary considerably by region.
Looking back at 2024, WTTC data reveals that Travel & Tourism contributed $10.9 trillion to the global economy, representing 10% of global GDP. This figure marked an 8.5% increase compared to 2023 and a 6% rise from 2019.
Job growth also saw a significant surge, with the sector supporting 357 million positions globally – accounting for one in every ten jobs. International visitor spending rose by nearly 12% to reach $1.87 trillion, while domestic travel spending increased by 5.4% to hit $5.3 trillion.
These figures indicate a strong rebound in consumer confidence and a renewed global appetite for both local and international travel experiences.
WTTC forecasts indicate an annual growth rate of 3.5% for the Travel & Tourism sector, outpacing the global economy’s projected 2.5% growth. By 2035, it is expected that one in every eight jobs worldwide will be supported by travel, amounting to more than 460 million roles.
International visitor spending is projected to reach $2.9 trillion by then, with domestic spending growing in parallel to hit $7.7 trillion. These figures underscore the sector’s long-term potential not only as a source of leisure and cultural exchange but also as a major driver of employment and economic development.
The WTTC’s annual collaboration with Oxford Economics ensures a detailed analysis of the industry’s impact across 185 economies. In addition to economic forecasts, the Council also tracks environmental indicators.
Its recent Environmental Social Research revealed that the Travel & Tourism sector was responsible for 6.5% of global emissions in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable innovation as growth accelerates.
As the world looks towards 2035, Travel & Tourism appears poised not just to recover but to lead. For travellers, investors, and governments alike, the coming years present new opportunities and challenges marking a pivotal era in global tourism history.
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