Tourexpi
According
to the global tourism body’s latest Economic Impact Research, by 2035, Travel
& Tourism is expected to support an additional 4.5MN jobs, to reach more
than 30MN, reinforcing its vital role in the EU’s economic and social
landscape.
The
sector will be supporting one in seven jobs across the region, becoming one of
the most strategically important industries within the EU.
WTTC
forecasts show Travel & Tourism’s GDP contribution rising to almost €2.3TN,
with its economic share climbing to just under 11%, over the same period. The
sector will continue to outperform broader economic growth with a 10-year CAGR
of 1.8%, compared to 1.3% for the EU economy overall.
The
sector will also contribute more than €900BN annually to EU governments through
tax revenues.
International
visitor spending is expected to reach €730BN over the next 10 years, whilst
domestic visitor spending is projected to exceed €1.2TN.
A
Look at 2025
In
2025, Travel & Tourism across the EU is forecast to contribute nearly
€1.9TN to the bloc’s GDP, accounting for 10.5% of the EU economy. Employment is
expected to reach almost 26MN, representing 12% of all EU jobs – a clear sign
of the sector’s growing impact.
International
visitor spending is expected to reach €573BN this year, growing more than 11%
year-on-year. Domestic spending is also projected to increase, to reach €1.1TN,
growing 1.6% year-on-year.
During
his first meeting with the global tourism body in Brussels today, WTTC welcomed
the appointment of Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas as European Commissioner
for Sustainable Transport & Tourism – a landmark moment for the European
Union and the Travel & Tourism sector.
This
dedicated portfolio signals a renewed focus on a sector that supports millions
of livelihoods across the continent and plays a vital role in driving economic
growth, inclusion, and innovation.
WTTC
also applauded the Commissioner’s announcement of a forthcoming Sustainable
Tourism Strategy and looks forward to contributing to the development of this
critical roadmap for the future of Travel & Tourism in the EU.
WTTC
President & CEO Julia Simpson said “The EU’s Travel & Tourism sector
continues to show resilience, driving jobs, innovation, and regional growth.
“The
next decade is a chance to build a more connected and sustainable,
strengthening resilience in established tourism destinations, and opening new
ones across Europe.
“Appointing
a commissioner with a dedicated tourism brief is a strong signal that the EU
recognises the sector’s power to support communities and boost prosperity. We
look forward to working with Commissioner Tzitzikostas to shape polices that
match the sector’s scale and opportunity.
“To
seize this moment, governments must back the sector with clear frameworks and
investment - embracing destination stewardship to ensure growth benefits both
people and planet.”
This
year also marks a pivotal moment for Travel & Tourism as WTTC prepares to
host its 2025 Global Summit in Rome this September, bringing together world
leaders in Travel & Tourism to spotlight innovation, investment and
resilience.
The
choice of Rome as host of one of the world’s most prestigious Travel &
Tourism events reflects the strategic importance of the EU to the global Travel
& Tourism agenda. The EU continues to lead the way in sustainability,
connectivity, and collaboration. The EU’s role isn’t just regional, it’s
global.
A
Look Back on Last Year
In
2024, the EU’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost €1.8TN to the
EU’s GDP, more than 10% of the economy. This exceeded 2019 levels by almost 6%.
Jobs grew nearly 5% year-on-year to over 24.5MN, accounting for one in 9 jobs
across the region.
Domestic
visitor spending reached €1TN, whilst international visitor spending grew to
€515BN.
This
latest Economic Impact Research reaffirms the sectors long-term potential and
its critical role in job creation, investment, and prosperity across every
corner of the EU.
In
collaboration with Oxford Economics, WTTC produces reports annually on the
economic and employment impact of Travel & Tourism for 185 economies.
Each
year, WTTC also releases its groundbreaking Environmental Social Research,
which shows the sector’s emissions stood at 12.7% of all emissions across the
EU in 2023 – underscoring the critical need for continued sustainable
innovation as Travel & Tourism expands.
Image Credit: © Tourexpi with Adobe Express
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