Global travel and tourism growth will be 1.5 times greater than the broader economy over the next decade | News
Global Travel & Tourism is expected to continue to outpace broader economic growth in 2026, with the sector expected to contribute $12 trillion to the global economy, accounting for 9.9% of global GDP, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council, sponsored by Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner.
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) predicts the sector will grow 3.2% globally in 2026, ahead of broader global economic growth, which is forecast at 2.4%. Travel and tourism is also expected to support 376 million jobs worldwide by 2026, equivalent to one in nine jobs worldwide.
Over the next decade, the sector is expected to support almost 89 million new jobs worldwide, accounting for around a third of all new jobs expected in the wider economy. Over the same period, global gross domestic product (GDP) in the travel and tourism sector is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.6%, 1.5 times faster than the broader global economy at 2.4%.
Against this global backdrop, WTTC highlighted the importance of continued investments in smart infrastructure, digital innovation, sustainable destination management, skills development and cross-border connectivity to maintain the sector’s strong long-term growth trajectory. The organization also highlighted the growing role of AI and new technologies in improving the traveler experience, operational efficiency and workforce development across the sector.
In Europe, Travel & Tourism is expected to outperform the broader regional economy by 2026, strengthening the continent’s role as one of the strongest drivers of growth, employment and investment on the continent.
While broader European GDP growth is expected to be just 1% in 2026, amid continued inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty, travel and tourism sector GDP across Europe is expected to grow 3.6%, almost four times faster.
WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research shows that the sector continues to show remarkable resilience, even as households face rising costs and continued value-seeking behavior.
International visitor spending across Europe is expected to grow by 7.1% in 2026, significantly above the global average of 3.7%, as travelers increasingly choose destinations closer to home amid geopolitical uncertainty and disruption in other regions.
Southern European destinations continue to lead the way in the region, with Spain standing out as one of Europe’s strongest performing major tourism economies. WTTC predicts that Spain’s travel and tourism sector will grow by 3.7% in 2026, on par with Turkey and outperforming the broader European economy, while Italy is expected to lead the region’s key markets with growth of 3.8%. International visitor spending in Spain is also expected to increase by 5.3% this year, underscoring the continued strength and competitiveness of Mediterranean destinations. In 2025, Spain recorded 96.8 million international visitor arrivals, the second highest number of international visitor arrivals in Europe after France. Yet the country recorded €115.1 billion (US$130.1 billion) in international visitor expenditure in the same year, making it the leading destination in Europe and third globally.
Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTC, said: “Travel and tourism continues to prove its resilience across Europe and remains one of the region’s key economic growth drivers at a time when broader economic expansion is slowing. The sector creates jobs, drives investment and supports communities across the continent.
“Countries like Spain, Italy, France and Türkiye are showing what is possible when governments recognize the strategic value of travel and tourism and support the sector through smart investments, strong connectivity and forward-looking policies. Europe has a real opportunity to build on this momentum, but maintaining competitiveness, affordability and seamless travel will be crucial.”
