Despite a long list of obstacles and setbacks, Travel & Tourism strengthened its position as the world’s fastest-growing sector in 2025, with new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) revealing the sector significantly outpaced global economic growth – and accounted for one in three new jobs created globally.
According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), created in partnership with Chase Travel, Travel & Tourism’s global GDP contribution reached a record US$11.6 trillion in 2025, accounting for 9.8% of the global economy. The sector’s growth (4.1%) exceeded overall global economic growth (2.8%) by almost 50%, underscoring its role as a primary engine of global expansion.
In a landmark milestone, Travel & Tourism supported 366 million jobs (10.9%) worldwide in 2025 – a figure greater than the total population of the United States – reinforcing its critical role in global employment and livelihoods. The sector also accounted for one in three new jobs created globally.
This exceptional performance confirms Travel & Tourism not only as a driver of recovery, but as a leading force shaping the future of the global economy, says the WTTC
Regional Outlook
WTTC’s data also reveals a clear divergence in regional performance, with Asia-Pacific emerging as the fastest-growing region globally, while North America trails behind other major markets.
Asia-Pacific recorded the strongest expansion in Travel & Tourism GDP in 2025, with growth of 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 & Tourism GDP totalling US$3.05 trillion, reflecting continued challenges in international visitor recovery and more mature market dynamics.
“Despite the global challenges of 2025, the Travel & Tourism sector had its best year ever, which demonstrates its resilience,” said WTTC president and CEO Gloria Guevara. “In a truly record-breaking year, the sector contributed an unprecedented US$11.6 trillion to the global economy….
She continued, “The scale of global travel is equally remarkable. With 1.54 billion international overnight arrivals this year – equivalent to 4.2 million people travelling 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 & Tourism as a strategic priority and continue enabling policies that support growth, investment, and connectivity.”
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