WTTC Forecasts $16.5 Trillion Global Tourism Surge by 2035
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has projected a substantial rise in global tourism, with the sector expected to contribute $16.5 trillion to the global economy by 2035—equivalent to 11.5% of global GDP. According to the WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Research, the industry’s total contribution this year is forecast to reach $11.7 trillion, up from $10.9 trillion in 2024, signalling strong post-pandemic resilience and global demand for travel. International visitor spending is anticipated to hit a record $2.1 trillion in 2025, surpassing pre-COVID-19 levels for the first time.
While major markets like the US and China are showing signs of uneven recovery, other regions, including parts of Africa, could benefit from shifting global interest and investment patterns. The sector is expected to support 371 million jobs in 2025, growing to over 460 million by 2035—one in every eight jobs globally. The WTTC highlights that this sustained growth presents opportunities for emerging destinations, particularly in Africa, to expand tourism employment, infrastructure, and sustainable development as global traveller demand evolves.
Source: Focus on Travel News