Security & Travel Facilitation
WTTC Members have identified security and travel facilitation as a top priority.
According to WTTC’s 2019 data, the Travel & Tourism sector accounted for 10.3% of global GDP and supported the livelihoods of 330 million people in 2019, outpacing the growth of the global economy for nine consecutive years. As one of the fastest-growing industries in 2019, responsible for one in four new jobs created worldwide over the last five years, the slowdown of Travel & Tourism has had devastating ripple effects beyond the sector itself. The benefits of Travel & Tourism spread far beyond its direct impacts on GDP and employment. Indirect benefits apply throughout the supply chain and interlinkages to other industries, such as agriculture, retail, arts, and construction. Additionally, the Travel & Tourism sector is highly inclusive, employing and offering opportunities to people from all walks of life, including minorities, youth, and women.
Increasing political risks and geopolitical instability require more stringent security checks and processes, putting pressure on often outdated systems which are already strained.
WTTC’s work in this area demonstrates that improved visa facilitation and a safe & seamless traveller journey with the deployment of innovative technologies, such as biometrics, can continue to drive economic growth and job creation, while addressing security concerns to ensure that travel is safe, secure and seamless.