KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The contribution of Travel & Tourism to Gross Domestic Product is expected to decline 9.6% (US$158.1 bn) in 2009 to 9.5% (US$350.1 bn) by 2019.

Employment
The contribution of the Travel & Tourism economy to employment is expected to rise from 5,130,000 jobs in 2009, 9.0% of total employment or 1 in every 11.1jobs to 6,876,000 jobs, 9.5% of total employment or 1 in every 10.5 jobs by 2019.

Growth
Real GDP growth for Travel & Tourism economy is expected to be -8.7% in 2009 and to average 4.3% per annum over the coming 10 years.

Exports
Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to generate 13.4% of total exports (US$100.1 bn) in 2009, growing (nominal terms) to US$226.8 bn (12.4% of total) in 2019.

WORLD RANKING

The Middle East Travel & Tourism economy is ranked number:

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

(13 regions are estimated by WTTC / OE)