Global Travel & Tourism investment surpasses $1 trillion - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Global investment in Travel & Tourism exceeded US$1 trillion in 2025, underlining growing confidence in the industry's long-term prospects. According to the latest Economic Impact Research: Global Trends Report published by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), investment rose by 8.5% year-on-year as the sector outpaced the wider global economy and contributed a record US$11.6 trillion to global GDP.

Four markets drive global investment

The United States, China, India and Saudi Arabia accounted for almost half of worldwide Travel & Tourism capital investment last year, together contributing nearly US$500 billion.

WTTC attributes this momentum to a combination of large-scale infrastructure projects, supportive government policies and rising private-sector confidence. China continues to expand its tourism ambitions through successive Five-Year Plans, with an investment pipeline projected to reach US$402 billion by 2036. India is strengthening its position through improved connectivity, destination development and an investment-friendly business environment.

In the United States, infrastructure spending, strong domestic demand and major international events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games are expected to sustain growth. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, continues to accelerate investment through its Vision 2030 strategy, supported by extensive destination developments and significant public and private capital commitments.

“These four nations demonstrate how long-term investment strategies are strengthening competitiveness, attracting visitors and laying the foundations for future Travel & Tourism success,” the report notes.

Investment fuels jobs and economic growth

“The message from this research is clear: investment and growth go hand in hand,” said Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC. “The destinations and economies making long-term commitments to Travel & Tourism today are positioning themselves to capture tomorrow's jobs, visitor spending, and economic opportunities. Travel & Tourism has once again proven its resilience and its ability to outperform the wider economy. As governments and investors look for engines of sustainable growth, our sector continues to deliver returns through employment, infrastructure development, and prosperity for communities around the world.”

According to WTTC, continued investment plays a crucial role in creating jobs, expanding tourism infrastructure, improving connectivity and supporting sustainable economic development.

Spain among the standout performers

The report identifies Spain as one of Europe's strongest tourism success stories. Travel & Tourism now contributes 15.3% of the country's GDP, generates US$130 billion in international visitor spending and supports one in every seven jobs.

WTTC credits this performance to long-term public investment, including €3.4 billion in EU recovery funding for tourism sustainability, digitalisation and infrastructure, together with policies designed to spread tourism more evenly across destinations and seasons under the Spain Tourism Strategy 2030.

The report also highlights Indonesia as one of the world's fastest-growing outbound travel markets, predicts the Netherlands will lead Europe in tourism capital investment growth over the next decade, and points to Rwanda as one of Africa's fastest-growing leisure tourism destinations. Germany, Malta, Singapore and Thailand are also recognised for their strong tourism performance and growth prospects.

Outlook remains strong despite global challenges

WTTC forecasts that by 2036, Travel & Tourism will contribute US$17.1 trillion to the global economy while supporting almost 89 million additional jobs worldwide.

Although geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty remain challenges, the organisation believes continued investment, supportive government policies and sustained travel demand will position the sector as one of the world's strongest long-term drivers of economic growth over the coming decade.

Image Credit: Gloria Guevara © WTTC