The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has projected that the global Travel & Tourism sector will grow 1.5 times faster than the wider economy over the next decade. According to the latest Economic Impact Research, sponsored by Chase Travel, the sector is expected to contribute $12 trillion to the global economy and support 376 million jobs by 2026.

The WTTC's research indicates that the sector will grow at an annual rate of 3.6%, significantly outpacing the global economic growth forecast of 2.4%. This growth is expected to result in nearly 89 million new jobs worldwide, accounting for about one-third of all new jobs across the global economy.

In Europe, the Travel & Tourism sector is anticipated to grow by 3.6% in 2026, far exceeding the region's overall economic growth of just 1%. Spain is highlighted as a standout performer, with a forecasted growth of 3.7% in its Travel & Tourism sector and a 5.3% increase in international visitor spending.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, stated, “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.”

The WTTC emphasises the importance of investment in smart infrastructure, digital innovation, and sustainable destination management to sustain this growth. The role of AI and new technologies is also noted as crucial in enhancing traveller experience and operational efficiency.

As the sector continues to thrive, maintaining competitiveness and ensuring seamless travel will be vital for sustaining its momentum

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