Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) latest research shows that global Travel & Tourism is projected to grow strongly this year, reaffirming its role as cornerstone to major world economies, as travellers 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 & Tourism 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.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “People are continuing to prioritise travel. That’s a powerful vote of confidence in our sector and a sign of its enduring strength.
“But while 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.
In the U.S., the world’s most powerful Travel & Tourism market, international visitor spend remained significantly below 2019 levels in 2024 and is not expected to fully recover this year. In China, while international spending was above pre-pandemic levels last year, growth is expected to slow sharply in 2025.
By contrast, other key markets such as Saudi Arabia, which will inject $800BN into the sector by 2030, is ahead of the curve and setting new benchmarks. 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.
