Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point 2025

The T&T sector stands on the threshold of significant growth. By 2034, it is expected to expand 1.5 times faster than the global economy. This growth trajectory reflects the continued rise in global mobility and increased spending across different segments despite the sector’s already substantial size. Domestic travel will continue to contribute more than 70% of direct GDP , and leisure travel will continue to represent 80% of the market In line with pre-pandemic figures (2018 and 2019).25Geographically, Asia will be a major driver of GDP growth, with T&T direct contribution to GDP exceeding 7% across regions (Figure 4). This positions Asia as the world’s fastest-growing tourism economy, fundamentally shifting global tourism dynamics, requiring massive infrastructure investments and creating new tourism corridors. Such growth could position Asia as one of the globe’s epicentres while potentially becoming a dominant force in setting international standards and practices.1.1 Growth areas Percentage growth projections in T&T direct GDP contribution 2023–2033 FIGURE 4 Source: WTTC26North-East Asi a South Asi a South-East Asi a Central Asi a Middle East Sub-Saharan Africa North Afric a Oceani a Caribbean North America Other Eur ope Latin America European Unio n8.9% 8.1% 7.7% 6.2% 4.9% 4.7% 4.5%5.1% 4.4% 3.1% 2.9% 2.8% 2.6% 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Caption: Grand Bahama, Bahamas Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth 10