WORLD - KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

Travel & Tourism activity was hit hard by the global slump, with Travel & Tourism Economy GDP contracting by 4.8% in 2009. Even so, the sector worldwide still provided over 235 million jobs last year.

Travel & Tourism's recovery - like that of the world economy - is expected to be a gradual one. After growth of just 0.5% in 2010, Travel & Tourism Economy GDP is likely to grow by 3.2% in 2011, with momentum building from the second half of 2010 and into next year.

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

The contribution of Travel & Tourism to GDP is expected to rise from 9.2% (US$5,751 bn) in 2010 to 9.6% (US$11,151 bn) by 2020.

• Growth

Real GDP growth for the Travel & Tourism Economy is expected to be 0.5% in 2010, up from -4.8% in 2009, but to average 4.4% per annum over the coming 10 years.

• Employment

The contribution of the Travel & Tourism Economy to total employment is expected to rise from 8.1%, 235,785,000 jobs or 1 in 12.3 jobs in 2010, to 9.2% of total employment, 303,019,000 jobs, or 1 in every 10.9 jobs by 2020.

• Visitor Exports

Export earnings from international visitors are expected to generate 6.1% of total exports (US$1,086 bn) in 2010, growing (in nominal terms) to US$2,160 bn (5.2% of total) in 2020.

• Investment

Travel & Tourism investment is estimated at US$1,241 bn, or 9.2% of total investment, in 2010. By 2020, this should reach US$2,757 bn or 9.4% of total investment.