The global tourism and travel sector is poised for a monumental year in 2025, according to projections by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, international visitor spending is expected to surge to a record $2.1 trillion, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of 2019 by a substantial $164 billion. This forecast is part of WTTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Research (EIR), which anticipates the sector contributing an unprecedented $11.7 trillion to the global economy, representing 10.3% of the global GDP.

Employment within the travel sector is also set to see significant growth, with an expected addition of 14 million jobs in 2025, bringing the worldwide total to 371 million. This figure exceeds the entire population of the United States, highlighting the sector's massive scale and impact. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, noted that the continued prioritization of travel by individuals demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in the sector and signals its enduring strength. However, she also cautioned that while overall global growth is robust, the recovery remains uneven across different regions and economies.

Specifically, major economies such as the U.S., China, and Germany are experiencing slower growth rates compared to others. In contrast, destinations like Saudi Arabia and popular European countries like France and Spain are setting new benchmarks in tourism performance. The Caribbean region is also a standout performer, driving much of the global rebound with numerous destinations reporting historic arrival numbers over the past year. Countries including Jamaica, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, Grenada, and St. Kitts have all benefited from expanded airlift, strategic marketing efforts, and strong traveler demand for leisure getaways.

The Caribbean's commitment to sustainable tourism practices and the preservation of cultural heritage is further positioning the region for sustained long-term growth. This focus not only attracts environmentally and culturally conscious travelers but also supports the resilience and longevity of the local tourism industries.

Looking back at 2024, the global Travel & Tourism sector contributed $10.9 trillion to the world economy, marking an 8.5% increase from 2023 and exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 6%. Employment in the sector grew by 6.2%, reaching a total of 357 million jobs. International tourism spending saw a rise of nearly 12%, totaling $1.87 trillion, while domestic travel spending reached $5.3 trillion. These figures underscore the sector’s robust recovery and increasing importance to the global economy.

The WTTC’s projections extend to 2035, anticipating that the Travel & Tourism sector will inject $16.5 trillion into the global economy, comprising 11.5% of the GDP. It is expected to support over 460 million jobs globally, representing approximately one in eight jobs worldwide. International visitor spending is forecast to rise to $2.9 trillion, with domestic spending reaching $7.7 trillion.

The EIR, produced in partnership with Oxford Economics, also emphasizes the environmental considerations associated with the sector’s growth. In 2023, Travel & Tourism accounted for 6.5% of global emissions, highlighting the critical need for continued innovation and investment in sustainability measures to mitigate its environmental impact.

In related news, Mexico's Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) has estimated significant travel activity during the Holy Week 2025 holiday period, spanning from April 12 to 26. Approximately 14,756,000 people are expected to travel to Mexico, representing a 2.1% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge in travel reaffirms the dynamic nature of Mexico’s tourism sector.

According to Sectur head Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, total tourism consumption is projected to reach 282.11 billion pesos, a 4.4% increase compared to 2024. Lodging alone is expected to generate 15.716 billion pesos, driven by both domestic and international tourists. The average hotel occupancy rate is projected to be 65.7%, 2.2 percentage points higher than the previous year.

Visitor statistics indicate that 6.57 million tourists will stay in hotels, with 4.85 million being domestic tourists and 1.72 million international tourists. Additionally, 7.46 million Mexicans are expected to stay in relatives’ homes or second homes, while 716,000 foreign tourists will utilize digital platforms such as Airbnb. This diverse behavior reflects a blend of traditional tourism and newer, more flexible travel options.