The latest research by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the world’s global body for private sector travel practitioners, shows that despite global economic uncertainty,  the travel and tourism industry is projected to hit a historic$2.1 trillion in 2025,surpassing the previous high of$1.9 trillion. Travellers are expected to spend more than ever before in 2025.  According to the WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Report (EIR), international visitor spending is forecast to reach a historic $2.1 trillion in 2025, surpassing the previous high of $1.9 trillion in 2019 by $164 billion. This year, travel and tourism is expected to contribute an all-time high of $11.7TN to the global economy, accounting for 10.3 per cent of global GDP.  Jobs around the world supported by the sector are expected to grow by 14 million in 2025, to reach 371 million worldwide, more than the population of the United States of America.  Julia Simpson, WTTC President and 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 and 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 and tourism markets such as the U.S., China, and Germany, growth has slowed. 
In the U.S., the world’s most powerful travel and  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.

Global travel, tourism to hit $2.1trn in 2025  

The latest research by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the world’s global body for private sector travel practitioners, shows that despite global economic uncertainty,  the travel and tourism industry is projected to hit a historic$2.1 trillion in 2025,surpassing the previous high of$1.9 trillion. Travellers are expected to spend more than ever before in 2025.  According to the WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Report (EIR), international visitor spending is forecast to reach a historic $2.1 trillion in 2025, surpassing the previous high of $1.9 trillion in 2019 by $164 billion. This year, travel and tourism is expected to contribute an all-time high of $11.7TN to the global economy, accounting for 10.3 per cent of global GDP.  Jobs around the world supported by the sector are expected to grow by 14 million in 2025, to reach 371 million worldwide, more than the population of the United States of America.  Julia Simpson, WTTC President and 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 and 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 and tourism markets such as the U.S., China, and Germany, growth has slowed. 
In the U.S., the world’s most powerful travel and  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.