Tourexpi
Global Travel and Tourism surges as WTTC Global Summit opens in Rome
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today
opened its 25th Global Summit in Rome, unveiling its latest report that
confirms Europe’s central role in global tourism. Five of the world’s top 10
Travel & Tourism markets by GDP are in Europe, underscoring the region’s
continued leadership.
Europe at the forefront
Italy, hosting the Global Summit for the first time
since the pandemic, highlighted its leadership role as both a G7 nation and
home to the first-ever G7 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting last year. In 2024,
Italy’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed $248.3BN to the economy, driven
by strong international spending and a thriving meetings and events industry.
·
Germany ranked as the world’s third most powerful market, generating $525BN.
·
The UK added $367BN, despite a drop of £2.2BN in international spending.
·
France, the world’s most visited destination, delivered over $289BN.
·
Spain, the second most visited, contributed $270BN.
Global growth story
WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara said:
“These results tell a story of strength and
opportunity. The U.S. remains the world’s largest market, China is surging
back, Europe is powering ahead, and destinations across the Middle East, Asia,
and Africa are delivering record growth. We forecast a record $2.1TN
contribution in 2025 – surpassing the 2019 peak by $164BN.”
·
U.S.: $2.6TN in 2024, but forecast to see weaker international spend in
2025.
·
China: $1.64TN in 2024, forecast to grow 22.7% in 2025, adding $260BN.
·
Japan: $310.5BN in 2024, forecast to reach nearly $325BN this year.
Travel & Tourism is now growing faster than the
consumer goods sector, showing the global shift toward valuing experiences over
material goods.
Middle East momentum
The Middle East remains one of the fastest-growing
regions. Saudi Arabia continues to stand out with surging visitor spend and
record infrastructure investment in airports, cruise terminals, and
hospitality.
Jobs and long-term outlook
The sector supported 357MN jobs in 2024 and is
forecast to reach 371MN in 2025. By 2035, one in eight jobs worldwide will be
supported by Travel & Tourism, with the Asia-Pacific region driving the
majority of new positions.
Global investment surpassed $1TN in 2024, rising
nearly 10% year-on-year. Italy attracted €11.4BN, reinforcing its reputation as
one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for sustainable tourism
development.
Host partners
The 25th WTTC Global Summit is hosted with the Italian
Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region,
alongside partners including Antonio Lefebvre d’Ovidio Philanthropy, Arsenale
Spa, Chase Travel (JPMC), Giacomo Milano, MMGY, MSC Group, Terme di Saturnia,
and Trip.com Group.
Image
Credit: © AA
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