Travel & Tourism becomes world’s fastest-growing sector in 2025

International

New research shows the industry outpaced global economic growth and generated a record US$11.6 trillion for the global economy

Travel & Tourism recorded its strongest year on record in 2025, strengthening its position as the fastest-growing sector worldwide. According to new Economic Impact Research released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in partnership with Chase Travel, the sector expanded significantly faster than the global economy and played a major role in job creation and economic development.

The study shows that Travel & Tourism contributed US$11.6 trillion to global GDP in 2025, representing 9.8 percent of the world economy. Sector growth reached 4.1 percent, outperforming overall global economic growth of 2.8 percent by nearly 50 percent.

Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, said: “Despite the global challenges of 2025, the Travel & Tourism sector had its best year ever, which demonstrates its resilience. In a truly record-breaking year, the sector contributed an unprecedented US$11.6 trillion to the global economy.”

Employment and global travel demand continue to rise

The sector also played a major role in employment. In 2025, Travel & Tourism supported 366 million jobs worldwide, accounting for 10.9 percent of total global employment. This means more than one in ten jobs globally is connected to the travel industry, and roughly one third of all new jobs created last year were linked to the sector.

Global travel demand remained exceptionally strong. According to the WTTC analysis, international overnight arrivals reached 1.54 billion in 2025. This is equivalent to around 4.2 million people travelling internationally every day and exceeds both pre-pandemic levels and last year’s figures.

Guevara said: “The scale of global travel is equally remarkable. With 1.54 billion international overnight arrivals this year — equivalent to 4.2 million people travelling every day — Travel & Tourism continues to connect the world at an extraordinary pace.”

Asia-Pacific leads growth while North America slows

The research also highlights strong regional differences in growth patterns. Asia-Pacific emerged as the fastest-growing region in Travel & Tourism in 2025, expanding by 8.1 percent and reaching a total contribution of US$3.29 trillion to regional GDP.

This growth was driven by the continued reopening of international markets, increasing travel demand and strong regional connectivity.

North America, by contrast, recorded significantly slower expansion. The region’s Travel & Tourism GDP grew by just 1.0 percent, reaching US$3.05 trillion. According to the report, slower recovery in international travel and the characteristics of a mature tourism market contributed to the weaker performance.

These regional differences highlight how policy decisions, investment strategies and openness to international travel continue to shape the speed of tourism recovery and growth.

Industry calls for supportive policies and innovation

Industry leaders emphasise that Travel & Tourism remains a key driver of global economic development but requires continued support from governments and private sector partners.

Jason Wynn, CEO of Chase Travel, said: “What we’re seeing today is not just sustained demand for Travel & Tourism, but a reacceleration, as travellers prioritise meaningful experiences and plan with greater intention.”

He added that affordability pressures and capacity constraints continue to shape travel decisions in some markets.

“In this environment, delivering seamless end-to-end journeys, expanding access and connectivity, and investing in smarter, more flexible travel experiences will be critical for Chase Travel and the industry at large,” Wynn said.

WTTC says it will continue working with governments and industry partners worldwide to strengthen resilience, support investment and ensure Travel & Tourism remains a central pillar of inclusive economic growth.