United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
WTTC: Global tourism closing In on pre-pandemic peak
The World Travel & Tourism Council says the global tourism sector is edging ever closer to its pre-pandemic 2019 peak.
The WTTC 2023 Economic Impact Research shows the recovery will reach 95% this year.
In 2023, the sector is forecast to reach $9.5 trillion, just 5% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
It says 34 countries have already exceeded 2019 levels.
Last year, it grew 22% year-on-year to reach $7.7 trillion.
This represented 7.6% of the global economy in 2022, the highest sector contribution since 2019.
The research shows that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and prolonged travel restrictions had a significant impact on the global recovery.
With China reopening in January, it sees full recovery to pre-pandemic levels by next year.
The global tourism sector created 21.6 million new jobs in 2022 to reach more than 295 million globally.
Spending from overseas visitors grew by a record 82%, showing that international travel is firmly back on track.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The global tourism sector continues to recover at pace, demonstrating its resilience and the enduring desire to travel.”
“By the end of the year, the sector’s contribution will be within touching distance of the 2019 peak.”
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel