WTTC estimates that the sector will contribute US$12 trillion to the global economy in 2026, representing 9.9% of global GDP.
According to the report, Travel & Tourism is expected to grow by 3.2% globally next year, ahead of wider global economic growth, which is forecast at 2.4%. The sector is also projected to support 376 million jobs worldwide in 2026, equivalent to one in every nine jobs globally.
Over the next decade, WTTC forecasts that Travel & Tourism will generate almost 89 million new jobs, accounting for approximately one-third of all new jobs expected across the wider economy. The organisation estimates that global Travel & Tourism GDP will grow at an average annual rate of 3.6% during the same period, 1.5 times faster than the wider global economy.
WTTC highlighted the importance of investment in infrastructure, digital innovation, sustainable destination management, workforce development, and cross-border connectivity to support long-term sector growth.
The report also pointed to the increasing role of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in improving traveller experience, operational efficiency, and workforce capabilities.
In Europe, Travel & Tourism is forecast to significantly outperform the wider regional economy in 2026. While overall European GDP growth is expected to reach 1% next year, Travel & Tourism GDP across Europe is projected to grow by 3.6%. WTTC stated that the sector continues to demonstrate resilience despite inflationary pressures and ongoing consumer value-seeking behaviour.
International visitor spending across Europe is forecast to increase by 7.1% in 2026, exceeding the projected global average growth of 3.7%. According to the organisation, travellers are increasingly favouring destinations closer to home amid geopolitical uncertainty and disruptions affecting other regions. Southern European destinations are expected to continue leading tourism growth across the region. WTTC forecasts Spain’s Travel & Tourism sector will grow by 3.7% in 2026, matching Türkiye, while Italy is expected to record growth of 3.8%. International visitor spending in Spain is projected to increase by 5.3% this year. WTTC data also showed that Spain recorded 96.8 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, the second-highest figure in Europe after France, while generating €115.1 billion in international visitor spending, making it Europe’s leading tourism destination by visitor expenditure.
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “Travel & Tourism continues to prove its resilience across Europe and remains one of the region’s most important economic growth engines at a time when wider economic expansion is slowing. The sector is creating jobs, driving investment, and supporting communities across the continent.
“Countries such as Spain, Italy, France and Türkiye are showing what is possible when governments recognise the strategic value of Travel & Tourism and support the sector through smart investment, 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 critical.”
Tags: Gloria Guevara, WTTC