A Global Summit In Rome
The 25th Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council opened in Rome with fresh insights into the industry’s rapid growth and its crucial role in global economies. The report highlighted that the US continues to dominate as the largest travel and tourism market, while Europe remains the center of activity with five of the top ten destinations by GDP. Italy, the host nation, showcased its growing role in global tourism by combining cultural heritage with an increasingly strong meetings and events industry.
United States Still At The Top
According to the latest data, the United States contributed an impressive USD 2.6 trillion to global GDP through travel and tourism in 2024. While most of this was driven by its vast domestic market, it still remains unmatched internationally. However, forecasts for 2025 suggest a decline of USD 12.5 billion in international visitor spending, pointing to challenges even for the world’s biggest player.
China, Japan And Europe’s Strength
China holds second place, contributing USD 1.64 trillion in 2024, with projections indicating a growth of 22.7 per cent in 2025. Japan, the fifth largest market, is also witnessing consistent growth, with expectations to expand from USD 310.5 billion to nearly USD 325 billion this year. Europe’s dominance remains evident, with Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Italy all securing top positions. Germany alone contributed USD 525 billion in 2024, while the UK generated USD 367 billion, France added USD 289 billion, and Spain recorded USD 270 billion. Italy, meanwhile, contributed USD 248.3 billion, further cementing its status as a rising tourism hub.
India Secures The Ninth Position
India has moved into the global top ten, taking the ninth spot among the world’s most powerful travel and tourism markets. With its diverse cultural heritage, spiritual tourism, growing hospitality industry, and expanding aviation network, India continues to strengthen its global footprint. Its position reflects both domestic growth and increasing interest from international visitors, with the government investing heavily in infrastructure, connectivity, and sustainable tourism practices.
Middle East And Beyond
The Middle East is also emerging as a significant player. Saudi Arabia, in particular, has made record-breaking investments in tourism infrastructure, including airports, cruise terminals, and entertainment hubs. This aggressive strategy has positioned it as one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. Other regions, including Asia and Africa, are also delivering record growth, showing how travel and tourism are becoming more globalized than ever.
Jobs And Economic Impact
Travel and tourism supported 357 million jobs worldwide in 2024, a figure projected to grow to 371 million in 2025. By 2035, one in every eight jobs across the globe is expected to be connected to the sector, adding 91 million new positions, with Asia-Pacific accounting for the majority. The industry is also expected to contribute USD 11.7 trillion globally in 2025, representing 10.3 per cent of the world economy. Both international and domestic spending are forecast to surpass pre-pandemic levels, with international visitor spending expected to grow 8.6 per cent above 2019 levels and domestic spending projected to rise 13.6 per cent.
A Strong Outlook Despite Challenges
While the outlook is optimistic, the sector faces challenges such as geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and climate-related disruptions. Despite these hurdles, the industry remains one of the fastest-growing contributors to global GDP and employment.
As Gloria Guevara, Interim CEO of WTTC, remarked, the results reflect both strength and opportunity, with countries across the globe driving recovery, innovation, and resilience in the tourism industry.
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