The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has announced a significant investment of US$12.5 trillion in the travel and tourism sector by G20 countries, aiming to enhance competitiveness and drive economic growth through to 2035. Germany and Spain are set to be the largest investors, with commitments of $543 billion and $349 billion, respectively, over the next decade.

The WTTC's report, "Bridging the Gap: Travel & Tourism Capital Investment and Demand Growth Across the G20," launched at ITB Berlin, highlights a forecasted annual growth of 3.3% in travel and tourism demand across the G20 and Spain. Capital investment is expected to grow even faster, at 4.6% annually. However, the report stresses the importance of aligning investment with immediate demand to ensure long-term resilience.

In the short term, investment recovery is lagging behind demand, potentially leading to capacity pressures and overcrowding. This situation is expected to improve around 2033, when investment is projected to surpass demand. Germany and Spain are leading the way as "strategic modernisers," investing ahead of future needs to reinforce their positions as resilient tourist destinations.

Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of WTTC, stated, “Travel & Tourism is entering a new decisive decade for infrastructure and competitiveness. Countries that align investment with future demand are strengthening their economic resilience and securing long-term growth.”

The WTTC calls for continued collaboration between governments and the private sector to ensure that investment aligns with long-term demand trends, unlocking the sector's full economic potential

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