Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Research (EIR)

Alongside our other Insights reports, WTTC produces reports annually on the economic and employment impact of Travel & Tourism for 185 countries/economies and 28 geographic and economic regions across the world. These reports, in collaboration 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.

For all of our latest EIR data, please visit the WTTC Research Hub.

What Is The Economic Impact Of Travel & Tourism?

In 2019, prior to the COVID pandemic, Travel & Tourism (including its direct, indirect, and induced impacts) accounted for 10.5% of all jobs (334 million) and 10.4% of global GDP (US$ 10.3 trillion). Meanwhile, international visitor spending amounted to US$ 1.91 trillion in 2019.

WTTC’s latest annual research shows:

• In 2023, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed 9.1% to the global GDP; an increase of 23.2% from 2022 and only 4.1% below the 2019 level.
• In 2023, there were 27 million new jobs, representing a 9.1% increase compared to 2022, and only 1.4% below the 2019 level.
• Domestic visitor spending rose by 18.1% in 2023, surpassing the 2019 level.
• International visitor spending registered a 33.1% jump in 2023 but remained 14.4% below the 2019 total.

Recent EIR reports and factsheets

Below are some of our recent and popular Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Research (EIR) publications. You can find many more on specific regions and economies/countries at our Research Hub.

Why Our Economic Impact Research (EIR) Matters

From the inception of WTTC in 1990, 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.