Global travel is forecast to grow 2.5% this year, outpacing the wider global economy.
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) figures show Europe is tipped to perform even more strongly, with international visitor spending projected to increase by 5.8%, while leisure and business travel spending are expected to grow by 3.1% and 4.2%, respectively.
The increases come despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty, the council’s global summit in Malta was told.
“Travel & Tourism continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience,” says Gloria Guevara, president and ceo of the WTTC.
Globally, the sector contributed USD11.6 trillion to the economy last year, representing 9.8% of global GDP, and supported 366 million jobs—nearly one in every nine worldwide.
. . . Seamless Journey
Guevara says the tourism and travel sector is ready to invest and innovate, but governments must create the right conditions, enabling seamless travel, strengthening links, developing talent and supporting sustainable growth.
The summit is looking at ways of improving the passenger journey from visas, borders and regulation to connectivity, technology, hospitality and logistics.
As biometric borders and AI-driven visa systems become increasingly important, ministers and industry leaders at the Malta summit consider how governments can improve security while also removing unnecessary friction for travellers.
