TRAVEL & TOURISM SAYS BEST YEAR EVER AND EMERGES AS THE FASTEST GROWING SECTOR IN THE WORLD | News
Travel & Tourism has strengthened its position as the world’s fastest growing sector by 2025, with new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner, showing the sector significantly outpacing global economic growth.
According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), Travel and Tourism’s global GDP contribution reached a record $11.6 trillion by 2025, accounting for 9.8% of the global economy. The sector’s growth (4.1%) exceeded total global economic growth (2.8%) by almost 50%, underscoring the sector’s role as a primary driver of global expansion.
In a milestone achievement, Travel and Tourism will support 366 million jobs (10.9%) worldwide by 2025 – a figure greater than the entire population of the United States – reinforcing its critical role in global employment and livelihoods. The sector was also responsible for 1 in 3 new jobs created worldwide.
This exceptional performance confirms that Travel and Tourism is not only a driver of recovery, but also a leading force shaping the future of the global economy.
Regional Outlook: Asia Pacific leads global growth, while North America lags behind
WTTC’s data also shows marked regional performance divergence, with Asia and the Pacific becoming the fastest growing region in the world, while North America lags behind other major markets.
Asia Pacific recorded the strongest travel and tourism sector GDP growth in 2025, growing 8.1%, driven by reopening momentum, rising international demand and strong regional connectivity, reaching US$3.29 trillion.
In contrast, North America saw significantly slower growth of just 1.0%, with travel and tourism sector GDP totaling $3.05 trillion, reflecting ongoing challenges in international visitor recovery and more mature market dynamics.
This regional imbalance highlights how policies, investments and international openness continue to determine the pace of growth in global markets.
Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTC, said:
“Despite the global challenges of 2025, the travel and tourism sector had its best year ever, demonstrating its resilience. In a truly record year, the sector contributed an unprecedented $11.6 trillion to the global economy. This exceptional performance underlines not only its economic strength, but also its resilience and ability to outpace broader global growth.
“The scale of global travel is equally remarkable. With 1.54 billion international overnight stays this year – equivalent to 4.2 million people traveling every day – Travel & Tourism continues to connect the world at an extraordinary pace, surpassing both last year’s levels and pre-pandemic benchmarks.
“This is a defining moment. Governments around the world must recognize travel and tourism as a strategic priority and continue to enable policies that support growth, investment and connectivity.”
Jason Wynn, CEO of Chase Travel, said:
“What we’re seeing today is not just continued demand for travel and tourism, but a new acceleration as travelers prioritize meaningful experiences and plan with greater intention.
“At the same time, the recovery remains uneven across markets, with affordability and capacity constraints impacting where and how people choose to travel. In this environment, delivering seamless end-to-end travel, expanding access and connectivity, and investing in smarter, more flexible travel experiences will be critical for Chase Travel and the industry as a whole.”
WTTC will continue to work closely with governments and industry leaders to support a full global recovery, strengthen resilience and ensure travel and tourism remain a cornerstone of inclusive economic progress.
Chase Travel remains committed to making travel more accessible and rewarding for cardholders by connecting them to trusted partners, seamless bookings and support, and the experiences that matter most.
