KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
The contribution of Travel & Tourism to Gross Domestic Product is expected to rise from 8.9% (EUR30.8 bn or US$44.8 bn) in 2008 to 10.5% (EUR52.6 bn or US$64.4 bn) by 2018.

Employment
The contribution of the Travel & Tourism economy to employment is expected to rise from 405,000 jobs in 2008, 9.2% of total employment or 1 in every 10.9 jobs to 501,000 jobs, 11.2% of total employment or 1 in every 8.9 jobs by 2018.

Growth
Real GDP growth for Travel & Tourism economy is expected to be 1.9% in 2008 and to average 3.7% per annum over the coming 10 years.

Exports
Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are expected to generate 8.6% of total exports (EUR26.8 bn or US$38.9 nn) in 2008, growing (nominal terms) to EUR48.0 bn or US$58.9 bn (9.3%) of total in 2018.

WORLD RANKING

The Belgium Travel & Tourism economy is ranked number:

• 17 in absolute size worldwide
• 100 in relative contribution to national economies
• 151 in long-term (10-year) growth

(176 countries are estimated by WTTC / OE)