Global Travel and Tourism Expects Record-High Economic Contribution

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is forecasting a landmark year for the sector, projecting that in 2025 travel and tourism will contribute US$11.7 trillion globally—accounting for about 10.3% of global GDP.

This represents a full rebound and growth beyond pre-pandemic levels, reflecting strong international demand and increased consumer confidence.

The WTTC also estimates that this surge in economic value will support 371 million jobs worldwide, highlighting how central tourism is to global employment.

However, the report warns of uneven recovery across regions—some markets are booming, while others lag due to infrastructure or staffing challenges.

Labor shortages remain a key issue: many destinations struggle to fill critical hospitality and service-sector roles, which could constrain growth and service quality.

To address this, the WTTC is calling for more investment in workforce training, better labor mobility, and partnerships between governments and tourism businesses.

Overall, the outlook is optimistic but tempered by structural risks: the sector’s growth potential is massive if it can solve the human-capital challenge.