WTTC expects global travel industry to grow 1.5 times faster than the wider economy - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Global Travel & Tourism is expected to continue outperforming the wider economy over the coming decade, according to new forecasts published by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The organisation projects that the sector will grow significantly faster than global GDP, driven by rising demand, investment in infrastructure and ongoing technological innovation.

WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research, sponsored by Chase Travel, forecasts that Travel & Tourism will contribute 12 trillion US dollars to the global economy in 2026, representing 9.9 percent of global GDP.

Travel sector expected to outperform global economy

According to the report, global Travel & Tourism GDP is forecast to grow by 3.2 percent in 2026, compared with projected global economic growth of 2.4 percent.

The sector is also expected to support 376 million jobs worldwide next year, equivalent to one in nine jobs globally.

Over the next decade, WTTC forecasts that Travel & Tourism will generate nearly 89 million new jobs worldwide, accounting for around one-third of all newly created jobs across the wider economy.

During the same period, the sector’s annual growth rate is projected to reach 3.6 percent, around 1.5 times faster than the broader global economy.

WTTC said continued investment in digital innovation, smart infrastructure, workforce development, sustainable destination management and international connectivity will be essential to maintaining this momentum. The organisation also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in improving traveller experience and operational efficiency.

Europe forecast to grow well above regional economy

In Europe, Travel & Tourism is expected to expand considerably faster than the wider regional economy in 2026. While overall European GDP growth is forecast at just one percent amid inflationary pressure and economic uncertainty, Travel & Tourism GDP across the continent is projected to grow by 3.6 percent.

According to WTTC, the sector continues to demonstrate strong resilience despite rising living costs and increasingly price-conscious consumer behaviour.

International visitor spending across Europe is forecast to rise by 7.1 percent in 2026, almost double the projected global average of 3.7 percent. WTTC attributes part of this trend to travellers increasingly choosing destinations closer to home amid geopolitical uncertainty and disruptions in other world regions.

Southern Europe continues to drive momentum

Southern European destinations remain among the strongest performers in the region. WTTC forecasts Spain’s Travel & Tourism sector will grow by 3.7 percent in 2026, matching Türkiye and outperforming the wider European economy. Italy is expected to lead Europe’s major tourism markets with projected growth of 3.8 percent.

International visitor spending in Spain is also forecast to increase by 5.3 percent this year. In 2025, Spain recorded 96.8 million international visitor arrivals, the second-highest figure in Europe after France. However, the country generated 115.1 billion euros in international visitor spending, making it Europe’s leading tourism destination by spending volume and the third-largest globally.

Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, said the sector continues to play a central role in Europe’s economic development.

“Travel & Tourism continues to prove its resilience across Europe and remains one of the region’s most important economic growth engines at a time when wider economic expansion is slowing,” said Guevara. “The sector is creating jobs, driving investment, and supporting communities across the continent.”

“Countries such as Spain, Italy, France and Türkiye are showing what is possible when governments recognise the strategic value of Travel & Tourism and support the sector through smart investment, strong connectivity, and forward-looking policies.”

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