Despite global uncertainty, travel and tourism has just enjoyed its best year ever, outpacing the global economy to become the world’s fastest growing sector.
According to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), travel and tourism’s global GDP contribution reached a record $US11.6 trillion in 2025, accounting for 9.8% of the global economy.
The sector’s growth (4.1%) exceeded overall global economic growth (2.8%) by almost 50%, underscoring its role as a primary engine of global expansion.
In a landmark milestone, the sector also supported 366 million jobs (10.9%) worldwide last year – a figure greater than the total population of the United States.
The sector also accounted for one in three new jobs created globally, reinforcing its critical role in global employment and livelihoods.
“Despite the global challenges of 2025, the travel and tourism sector had its best year ever, which demonstrates its resilience,” said Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC.
“The scale of global travel is equally remarkable. With 1.54 billion international overnight arrivals this year – equivalent to 4.2 million people travelling every day – travel and tourism continues to connect the world at an extraordinary pace, surpassing both last year’s levels and pre-pandemic benchmarks.
“This is a defining moment. Governments around the world must recognise travel and tourism as a strategic priority and continue enabling policies that support growth, investment and connectivity.”
WTTC’s data also reveals a clear divergence in regional performance, with Asia-Pacific emerging as the fastest-growing region globally.
Asia-Pacific recorded the strongest expansion in Travel & Tourism GDP in 2025, with growth of 8.1%, driven by reopening momentum, rising international demand and strong regional connectivity, reaching $US3.29 trillion.
