WTTC: Record global tourism spending forecast for 2025
Despite economic uncertainty, the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) latest research shows that global tourism is projected to grow strongly this year.
The WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows international visitor spending is forecast to reach a record $2.1 trillion in 2025, surpassing the previous high of $1.9 trillion in 2019.
This year, WTTC says tourism is expected to contribute an all-time high of $11.7 trillion to the global economy, accounting for 10.3% of worldwide GDP.
Jobs supported by the sector are expected to grow by 14 million in 2025, it says.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said “People are continuing to prioritise travel. That’s a powerful vote of confidence in our sector and a sign of its enduring strength.”
“But while tourism is strong, the recovery remains uneven. Whilst some regions are producing record-breaking numbers, other large economies are plateauing.”
Tourism markets such as the US, China, and Germany have slowed.
It says the US is not expected to fully recover this year.
In China, while international spending was above pre-pandemic levels last year, growth is expected to slow sharply in 2025.
In contrast, other key markets such as Saudi Arabia is setting new benchmarks.
WTTC forecasts that by 2035, tourism will inject $16.5 trillion into the global economy, accounting for 11.5% of global GDP.
That represents a decade-long growth rate of about 3.5% annually.
Related News Stories: Singapore posts tourism spend record in 2024 Mabrian: US policy upends inbound travel demand Partner News - TravelMole Inghams - TravelMole
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt