Reports-Banner

Economic Impact Research

Alongside our Insights reports, WTTC produces reports on the economic and employment impact of Travel & Tourism for 185 countries/economies and 26 geographic or economic regions in the world. These reports, in conjunction with Oxford Economics, are a vital tool in helping us to equip public and private sector bodies with hard evidence of the huge value Travel & Tourism brings to the economy, so that their policymaking and investment decisions support our sector.

Prior to the pandemic, Travel & Tourism (including its direct, indirect, and induced impacts) accounted for 1 in 5 new jobs created across the world during 2014-2019, and 10.3% of all jobs (334 million) and 10.4% of global GDP (US$ 10 trillion) in 2019. Meanwhile, international visitor spending amounted to US$ 1.9 trillion in 2019.

WTTC’s latest annual research shows:

  • In 2022, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed 7.6% to global GDP; an increase of 22% from 2021 and only 23% below 2019 levels.
  • In 2022, there were 22 million new jobs, representing a 7.9% increase on 2021, and only 11.4% below 2019.
  • Domestic visitor spending increased by 20.4% in 2022, only 14.1% below 2019.
  • International visitor spending rose by 81.9% in 2022, but still 40.4% behind 2019 numbers.

Regional overview 2019

WTTC EIR Regional Overview 2019

Regional overview 2022

WTTC EIR Regional Overview 2022

Regional overview 2022 vs 2019

WTTC EIR Regional Overview 2022 vs 2019

Why conduct research?

From the outset, our Members realised that hard economic facts were needed to help governments and policymakers truly understand the potential of Travel & Tourism. Measuring the size and growth of Travel & Tourism and its contribution to society, therefore, plays a vital part in underpinning WTTC’s work.

What research does WTTC carry out?

Each year, WTTC and Oxford Economics produce reports covering the economic contribution of our sector in 185 countries, for 26 economic and geographic regions, and for more than 70 cities. We also benchmark Travel & Tourism against other economic sectors and analyse the impact of government policies affecting the sector such as jobs and visa facilitation.

Visit our Research Hub via the button below to find all our Economic Impact Reports, as well as other reports on Travel and Tourism.


Strategic Partners:        AMEX  global Rescue   Ministry of Tourism Saudi Arabia