Tag Archives: WTTC

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)launched its 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report where it was shared that many key destinations will profit from a surge in international spending this year compared to pre-pandemic levels, with Saudi Arabia up 91.3% compared to 2019, Türkiye (+38.2%), Kenya (+33.3%), Colombia (+29.1%) and Egypt (+22.9%) leading the way. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “As we look forward to a record-breaking 2024, it’s clear that Travel & Tourism is not only back on track, but also set to achieve unprecedented growth. We will continue to prioritise sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring that this growth benefits everyone and protects our planet for future generations. The sector’s resilience and potential for innovation continues to drive us forward.” Globally, international visitor spending is set to grow by nearly 16% to reach US$1.9 TN, while domestic tourists are projected to spend more than ever before, reaching US$5.4TN, an increase of 10.3% over 2019 levels. Travel & Tourism investment grew 13% in 2023 to reach more than US$1TN, with a return to pre-pandemic levels anticipated by 2025.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) celebrates yet another milestone as over 5,000 properties across more than 80 countries have now embraced its Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) programme. Independent hotel management companies and unique accommodation providers have also taken their first steps in sustainability by adhering to the Basics criteria. Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa, Sanctuary Retreats by Abercrombie and Kent, luxury African safari lodges, amongst others, are now entering their second year of verification. Hotel Sustainability Basics has also gained endorsements from destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador. This milestone signifies a pivotal step forward for Travel & Tourism. The global tourism body remains committed to leading the sector towards a more sustainable and responsible future. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, stated: “WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics is a powerful testament to our collective effort in promoting sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. Surpassing 5,000 verified properties is more than just a milestone; it demonstrates Travel & Tourism’s readiness to embrace sustainability globally. This initiative unites hotels, industry partners, and sustainability standards to create a resilient, responsible, and planet-friendly future.” Hotels in major destinations across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Asia-Pacific have adopted Basics, and the programme continues to receive global support with new partnerships in tourism powerhouses such as Japan, the Philippines and India. Designed to guide hoteliers in their initial steps towards enhanced sustainability, Basics is an independent verification program, supervised by renowned assessors Green Key and SGS, ensuring rigorous standards and credibility. The programme empowers hotels of all sizes with a comprehensive 12-step criteria aimed at reducing carbon emissions, energy, …

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) revealed its theme “Ancient Land: New Perspectives,” for the Global Summit which will spotlight Australia’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, emphasising innovation and sustainable growth. Hosted by Tourism Western Australia (TWA), the event will take place in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, from 8-10 October. It stands as the pinnacle of the Travel & Tourism calendar. Industry trailblazers and international government officials from across the globe will converge in Perth to drive forward efforts for a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future in Travel & Tourism. WTTC announced its latest round of high-profile speakers for its upcoming Global Summit, featuring top leaders from the world’s leading Travel & Tourism businesses. Top business leaders set to speak include Greg O’Hara, Certares Founder & Senior Managing Director and WTTC Chair, Matt Goldberg, TripAdvisor CEO, Audrey Hendley, American Express Travel President; Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Company Group CEO, Hiroyuki Takahashi, JTB Corp Chair of the Board, and James Thornton, Intrepid Travel CEO, among many others. Adding star power, renowned wildlife conservationist and TV presenter Robert Irwin will also take the stage. Known for his dedication to wildlife conservation and inspiring positive change, Irwin follows in the footsteps of his legendary father, Steve Irwin. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The leading industrialists in Travel & Tourism who are shaping our sector and countries’ economies will be at WTTC’s Summit in Perth. Their insights and leadership are crucial as we shape the future of Travel & Tourism. “Western Australia, with its stunning natural beauty and deep commitment to sustainability and cultural diversity, is the perfect backdrop for this event. Hosting the Global Summit in Perth enables us to …

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) revealed that the sector’s contribution to Egypt’s GDP grew almost 24% last year to reach a record E£953BN – nearly 21% ahead of the previous peak. The data also shows that across sector jobs, international and domestic visitor spending, the sector fully recovered last year to reach record-breaking levels. Domestic visitor spending grew almost 9% year-on-year to reach more than E£328.5BN, while spending by international visitors saw a strong 38.5% year-on-year growth last year, to reach E£470.4BN. Jobs supported by the sector grew almost 10% to reach more than 2.5MN, representing one in 12 jobs across Egypt. Although this is strong recovery, it continues to lag previous record job numbers for the sector, set 15 years ago in 2008, when job numbers reached 3.7MN. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector has made an extraordinary recovery, surging past previous records, highlighting the sector’s resilience and its vital role in Egypt’s economy. “The Egyptian Government recognises the value of Travel & Tourism to the Egyptian economy and jobs, placing it at the forefront of the agenda, with a real focus on investment.” This year, the sector’s GDP contribution is forecast to reach almost E£988BN, accounting for 8.1% of Egypt’s economy. International visitor spending is anticipated to grow 6.2% to reach just under E£500BN this year, with domestic visitor spending expected to reach over E£340BN. Sector jobs are projected to grow 5.7% to reach 2.67MN, to account for almost one in 11 jobs in Egypt, although still below the previous peak.With the right government support, WTTC is forecasting that the sector could grow its annual GDP contribution to E£1.57TN by 2034, representing …

In 2023, the sector contributed TRY 3.11TN to the economy, accounting for 12% of total GDP. This is a significant increase of almost 30% from the previous peak in 2019.  The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector broke all records last year, reaching new milestones across four key metrics. The sector also supported more than 3.2MN jobs, representing one in 10 jobs across the country, and more than 18% above the 2019 high point. International and domestic visitor spending also exceeded their previous records, reaching TRY 1.68TN and TRY 761.3BN respectively. International visitor spending has surpassed its 2019 record by almost 36% and domestic visitor spending broke its previous record, from 2018, by almost 24%. The sector is forecast to continue breaking records in 2024, with GDP contribution set to reach almost 12.5% of the country’s economy. Jobs supported by Travel & Tourism are projected to surpass 3.3MN and spend from international and domestic visitors is also anticipated to set new records. According to WTTC’s latest research, spending from international visitors could reach more than TRY 1.7TN next year, and spending from domestic visitors could reach almost TRY 799BN. In an effort to continue growing its crucial Travel & Tourism sector, Türkiye’s Government is considering introducing nomad visas, aimed at expanding its potential for longer stays and in turn increasing visitor spending. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “As the world’s fifth most popular destination, Travel & Tourism in Türkiye is more than just a sector, it’s an integral part of the nation’s economy, fuelling growth, investment, and new jobs. We congratulate the national government’s efforts to place Travel & Tourism at the heart …

Last year, the travel and tourism sector in Saudi Arabia grew over 32% to contribute a record-breaking SAR 444.3BN to Saudi’s GDP, representing 11.5% of the entire economy. This exceeded the previous record by almost 30% and underscores the sector’s pivotal new role in the nation’s economic framework. The World Travel & Tourism Council’s 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed a record-breaking year for travel & tourism in Saudi Arabia, with new records in GDP contribution, sector jobs and visitor spend. Saudi Arabia’s travel & tourism sector is now soaring past all previous records, testament to the country’s commitment to becoming a global tourism hot spot. Jobs supported by the sector grew by 436,000 to reach more than 2.5MN, representing almost one in five jobs in the country. Although the jobs lost during the pandemic were fully recovered in 2022, today’s announcement shows sector employment in Travel & Tourism has increased almost 24% since the previous peak. International visitor spending surged by almost 57% to reach SAR 227.4BN, breaking the previous record by SAR 93.6BN, while domestic visitor spending grew by 21.5% to reach SAR 142.5BN. Seven years ahead of its target, Saudi Arabia welcomed 100MN tourists in 2023. Today, the country is surging toward even greater heights and has set a more ambitious aim of attracting 150MN tourists by 2030. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said; “Saudi Arabia’s Travel & Tourism sector’s extraordinary achievements last year mark a pivotal moment in its journey towards becoming a global tourism leader. “This success is a direct result of the Kingdom’s visionary commitment to the sector, showcasing an impressive fusion of cultural heritage and innovative tourism initiatives. As the sector continues …

The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to more than OMR 3.3BN in 2024, 7.6% of the country’s economy, and is projected to employ more than 206,000 people across the country, with one in fourteen people working in the sector. Domestic visitor spending is predicted to continue growing, to reach OMR 1.5BN, beating the 2019 level by just over 8%. Although international visitor spending is forecast to still be behind 2019 levels by OMR 142.3MN, it is expected to continue growing through 2024.  The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) unveiled a promising future for Oman’s Travel & Tourism sector. With strong government support and strategic initiatives, the sector is poised to not only recover but to reach unprecedented heights this year. According to the global tourism body’s latest research, in 2023 the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution surged by almost 35%, totalling OMR 2.8BN, and is on track to surpass previous records. The sector witnessed a robust job growth of 15%, now employing 191,500 individuals nationwide. Last year, international visitors injected OMR 1.1BN into the economy, a remarkable 69% increase from 2022, while spending by domestic travellers rebounded to OMR 1.4BN. Oman’s status as a top tourist destination in the Middle East is clearer than ever, thanks to strategic government investment and support. These efforts are not only rejuvenating the economy but are also setting the stage for further increases in international travel spending and overall economic contribution from the sector. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “Oman’s Travel & Tourism sector is on the cusp of an historic revival in 2024. “The Oman Government is a strong support of Travel …

Tourism projected to account for 12% of UAE GDP this year, as GCC policymakers gather to discuss future of regional travel at ATM 2024. H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, noted the tourism sector’s growing contribution to the Emirates’ economy in his opening comments on ATM 2024’s Global Stage. “According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), our tourism sector has been a dynamic force within our economy, contributing an impressive 11.7% to GDP [in 2023], amounting to AED 220 billion,” H.E. Al Marri told attendees. “For 2024, the forecast is set even higher, with an anticipated contribution of 12% to the [UAE’s] GDP, equating to AED 236 billion.” H.E. Al Marri’s speech was followed by a panel discussion between H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; H.E. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; and H.E. Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority. The session was moderated by Dubai Eye presenter, Richard Dean. Gulf-wide collaboration, ease of inter-regional travel and infrastructure development were placed under the microscope at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which saw a selection of policymakers discuss the streamlining of the GCC’s thriving tourism industry. The 31st edition of ATM is being hosted at Dubai World Travel Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 9 May. During the in-depth discussion, the ministerial panellists explored the importance of inter-regional initiatives in elevating the GCC tourism industry to the next level, while striking the right balance between collaboration and competition between destinations and nations. The planned GCC Unified Tourist …

Last year, the Travel & Tourism’s GDP contribution grew by 31% to reach a record-breaking QAR 81.2BN, representing 10.3% of Qatar’s total economic output, demonstrating the sector’s importance to the national economy. The sector also proved to be a vital source of employment, creating more than 20,300 new jobs, and raising the total to nearly 286,000 nationwide, representing one in every eight jobs across the country. The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed the Qatari Travel & Tourism sector reached new heights last year, with GDP contribution, jobs and domestic traveller spend all surpassing previous peaks. Domestic visitor spend was also stronger than ever to reach QAR 16.1BN Yet despite holding the FIFA World Cup in the previous year, spending by overseas visitors increased by nearly 40% year-on-year to reach QAR 60.4BN, it was still behind the previous peak by QAR 1.2BN. Looking to 2024 This year, Travel & Tourism is set to contribute an all-time high of QAR 90.8BN to the Qatari economy (11.3% of the total) and will support more than 334,500 jobs across the country (15.8% of the total workforce). Spending by international travellers is expected to increase significantly this year, with forecasts indicating a record spend of QAR 69.6BN this year, while domestic spend is projected to reach QAR 12BN This success is testament of the government’s commitment in prioritising collaboration between the public and private sectors to boost Qatar’s Travel & Tourism, creating diverse and immersive experiences for visitors. As part of these collaborative efforts, dedicated working groups across multiple industries have been established, with regular meetings planned to tackle challenges and leverage private sector expertise to drive Travel …

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics) has achieved a significant milestone, with 3,400 properties now verified across almost 80 countries. Designed to help hoteliers on their first steps to improve their sustainability ratings and raise the bar of sustainability across the global hospitality industry, this independent global sustainability verification programme is overseen by internationally recognised verifiers Green Key and SGS. It empowers hotels of all sizes to follow a 12-step programme aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting nature conservation, and ensuring local communities benefit from a hotel’s operations. This latest achievement marks a pivotal step forward in Travel & Tourism towards a more resilient and sustainable future. Hotels groups from major Travel & Tourism destinations such as Germany, China, Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Spain, India, Madagascar, and Turkiye, amongst many others, have joined the groundbreaking initiative. ‘Basics’ has now been adopted by hotels across all continents, signifying the eagerness from major hospitality players across the globe to move forward in their sustainability journey. In addition to its geographical expansion, Basics is strengthening the sector’s alignment on sustainability through new strategic partnerships. A key collaboration with BeCause is set to enhance relationships and visibility with Online Travel Agents (OTAs), providing an invaluable platform for hotels committed to sustainable operations. This initiative reflects WTTC’s dedication to facilitating meaningful connections within the industry, promoting a unified approach to sustainability. Basics has achieved full alignment with Green Key, a leading international eco-label for tourism facilities, meaning all Green Key certified hotels are now in full compliance with Basics and can obtain Basics verification with no extra effort. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics is …