World Travel & Tourism Council

The Authority on World Travel & Tourism


David Scowsill,
President & CEO, WTTC

WTTC issues wake up call to private and public sector to work closely together for Travel & Tourism's long-term future

"The private and public sector must come together and focus on long term strategies, infrastructure and initiatives, not just short term goals, to ensure that our industry is ahead of the growth curve" says David Scowsill, the President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council. In his closing speech at the 13th WTTC Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, Mr Scowsill explained that, by 2050, there will be 3 billion people enjoying middle class wealth – meaning more middle class consumers, enjoying more travel, creating more jobs and generating more GDP. He said the growth opportunities ahead should be a wake-up call to the private and public sector to join together and plan sustainable, long term strategies: "The industry needs to work together to drive investment in infrastructure, which is conducive to sustainable growth, not just now, but for the next 10, 25, even 50 years in order to ensure that Travel & Tourism continues to make a vital economic contribution to global GDP and jobs and that the new wave of middle class consumers from emerging markets can cross borders with ease”. READ MORE >>>

Monthly Updates

Overall world GDP is now forecast to grow slightly weaker in 2013 at 2.2%, with growth downgrades largest for China, India, Latin America and Italy, and only Japan’s outlook revised up.

In our May 2013 Monthly Update, world Travel & Tourism indicators show steady growth, again broadly in line with expectation from our annual update research.

Our Priorities

Freedom to Travel

The right of people to travel safely, securely and efficiently across international borders.

We call on governments to adopt smarter visa and border security policies to promote Travel & Tourism as a driver of jobs and economic growth. It is time for a fundamental change in the minds of governments - balancing security needs with freedom to travel by moving away from the current approach to a faster implementation of visa waiver and trusted traveller programmes.

Read More

Policies for Growth

Regulatory interventions which support the growth of Travel & Tourism through the creation of a competitive business environment.

Despite challenges to economic growth, the Travel & Tourism industry is still expected to be one of the world's fastest growing sectors. But it must have clear support from governments, if its full potential to create jobs, increase exports and stimulate investment is to be realised.

Read More

Tourism for Tomorrow

Sustainable development of Travel & Tourism which ensures benefits for consumers, businesses, local people and the environment.

For there to be the opportunity for future generations to benefit from the experience of travel, we have to plan for the future: developing human resources, optimising relationships with host communities, protecting the environment, preserving tourism assets.

Read More

    The WTTC App

Year round carry a world of WTTC research at your fingertips. Available on iPad, iPhone, Android and Blackberry.

Download the WTTC mobile app here

© World Travel & Tourism Council