KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The contribution of Travel & Tourism to Gross Domestic Product is expected to decline 10.1% (US$173.9bn) in 2010 to 11.2% (US$429.9bn) by 2020.

Employment
The contribution of the Travel & Tourism economy to employment is expected to rise from 5,269,000 jobs in 2010, 9.6% of total employment or 1 in every 10.4 jobs to 6,933,000 jobs, 9.9% of total employment or 1 in every 10.1 jobs by 2020.

Growth
Real GDP growth for Travel & Tourism economy is expected to be -0.1% in 2010 and to average 5.2% per annum over the coming 10 years.

Visitor Exports
Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to generate 6.8% of total exports (US$62.1bn) in 2010, growing (nominal terms) to US$126.7bn (5.0% of total) in 2020.

Investment
Travel & Tourism investment is estimated at US$41.7bn or 9.8% of total investment in 2010. By 2020, this should reach US$112.5mn or 12.1% of total investment.

WORLD RANKING

The Middle East Travel & Tourism economy is ranked number:

• 7 in absolute size worldwide
• 5 in relative contribution to national economies
• 6 in long-term (10-year) growth

(13 regions are estimated by WTTC / OE)