Despite a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects a landmark year for the global tourism and travel sector in 2025, with international visitor spending expected to reach a record $2.1 trillion—surpassing the 2019 high by $164 billion.
WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Research (EIR) forecasts the sector will contribute an unprecedented $11.7 trillion to the global economy, making up 10.3% of global GDP. Travel-related employment is also set to expand by 14 million jobs this year, reaching 371 million worldwide—more than the population of the United States.
“People are continuing to prioritize travel. That’s a powerful vote of confidence in our sector and a sign of its enduring strength,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO. “However, while global growth is strong, the recovery remains uneven.”
Some major economies, including the U.S., China, and Germany, are seeing slower growth trajectories. In contrast, destinations like Saudi Arabia and top European countries such as France and Spain continue to set new benchmarks.
Caribbean countries see tourism growth
The Caribbean is among the standout regions driving the global rebound, with several destinations posting historic arrival numbers over the past year. Countries like Jamaica, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, Grenada, and St. Kitts have all seen record-breaking tourism performance, buoyed by expanded airlift, robust marketing, and traveler demand for sun-soaked getaways. The region’s continued investment in sustainable tourism and cultural heritage is also positioning it for long-term growth.
2024 in review
In 2024, global Travel & Tourism contributed $10.9 trillion to the world economy—an 8.5% increase over 2023 and 6% above pre-pandemic levels. Employment in the sector grew by 6.2%, totaling 357 million jobs. International tourism spend rose nearly 12% to $1.87 trillion, while domestic travel spending hit $5.3 trillion.
Looking ahead to 2035
By 2035, WTTC projects the sector will inject $16.5 trillion into the global economy, comprising 11.5% of GDP. Travel & Tourism is expected to support more than 460 million jobs globally—around one in eight. International visitor spending is forecast to rise to $2.9 trillion, with domestic spending reaching $7.7 trillion.
Produced in partnership with Oxford Economics, the EIR also underscores environmental priorities. Travel & Tourism accounted for 6.5% of global emissions in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for continued innovation in sustainability.
