Friday May 15, 2026
Friday May 15, 2026
Friday, 15 May 2026 06:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Global travel and tourism is expected to continue growing faster than the broader world economy in 2026, with the sector forecast to contribute $ 12 trillion to global GDP, equivalent to 9.9% of the world economy, according to new research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research, produced with Oxford Economics and sponsored by Chase Travel, forecasts the sector to expand by 3.2% in 2026, outpacing projected global economic growth of 2.4%.
The sector is also expected to support 376 million jobs worldwide next year, representing one in every nine jobs globally.
Over the next decade, WTTC projects travel and tourism will generate almost 89 million new jobs, accounting for around one-third of all new jobs expected across the wider global economy. During the same period, the sector’s GDP contribution is forecast to grow at an annual average rate of 3.6%, compared with 2.4% for the global economy.
The WTTC said continued investment in smart infrastructure, digital innovation, sustainable destination management, workforce skills, and cross-border connectivity would be critical to sustaining long-term growth. The organisation also highlighted the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in improving traveller experience and operational efficiency.
Europe is expected to remain one of the strongest-performing tourism regions in 2026. While wider European GDP growth is forecast at just 1%, travel and tourism GDP across the region is projected to grow by 3.6%.
International visitor spending across Europe is expected to rise 7.1% in 2026, significantly above the global average of 3.7%, as travellers increasingly opt for destinations closer to home amid geopolitical uncertainty.
Southern European destinations continue to lead regional growth. Spain’s travel and tourism sector is forecast to expand by 3.7% in 2026, while Italy is expected to record growth of 3.8%.
Spain recorded 96.8 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, the second-highest in Europe after France, while generating € 115.1 billion ($ 130.1 billion) in international visitor spending, making it Europe’s top tourism revenue destination and the third largest globally.
