The latest World Travel Market 2025 (WTM) in London delivered a surprising verdict: the tourism sector is expected to grow faster than the global economy over the next decade. This is a game-changer for travel and hospitality professionals, provided they understand what it means for them.
Summary
A groundbreaking report that changes the game
The Global Travel Report, unveiled at WTM, anticipates annual growth of 3.5% for the sector, compared to 2.5% for the global economy. By 2035, tourism is expected to generate over $16 trillion, representing nearly 12% of global GDP. According to the specialized press, this finding positions tourism as a significant driver of growth – a strategic lever for industry stakeholders.
What this means in practical terms
The study highlights several dynamics:
• The length of stays is increasing, in contrast to the trend towards short, frequent getaways.
• New markets are emerging, particularly in the Middle East, with accelerated expansion of air and hotel infrastructure.
• Tourism is becoming a spending priority despite global economic pressures.
For agencies, tour operators, hoteliers or start-ups, these trends represent opportunities to be translated into differentiated offers.
7 steps to position yourself within this dynamic
- Review your products: do you offer long-term stays?
- Map your markets: target high-growth areas (Middle East, Asia-Pacific) rather than saturated destinations.
- Audit your capabilities: more than 500,000 rooms open in 2025 and one million under construction → the pace is accelerating.
- Highlighting added value: travelers are looking for meaning and experience, not just transportation.
- Integrating technology and sustainability: AI and responsible tourism are at the heart of the report.
- Anticipating contrasts: the United States could experience a 6% drop in arrivals this year.
- Communicating clearly: “We are ready for the decade of accelerated tourism”.
Scenarios for the evolution of global tourism by 2035
| Scenario | Assumption | Implications for professionals |
|---|---|---|
| Full expansion | Growth at 3.5%, new markets confirmed | Launch extended stay offers and “signature experiences”. |
| Moderate growth | Between 2 and 3% | Optimize costs, strengthen segmentation and niches. |
| Slow-down | External crisis or saturation | Diversify your markets and strengthen customer loyalty. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the keyword “tourism” still relevant?
Yes: it remains one of the most effective in SEO and content strategies, provided it is associated with an experiential and sustainable approach.
2. Do I need to review my circuits?
Not right away, but conduct an audit. Programs focused on long stays, premium experiences, and emerging markets have a head start.
3. Which sectors benefit most from this dynamic?
Accommodation, air transport, emerging destinations and new modes of travel (slow, digital, sustainable).
4. What are the risks?
Overcapacity, infrastructure saturation and inflationary pressures on transport and hospitality.
5. How do I talk to my clients about this?
Use positive messages: “We are ready for the decade of tourism.” The goal is to inspire confidence and anticipation.
A concrete example: the explosion in hotel and airline capacity
The report mentions the order of 15,000 new aircraft by Boeing and Airbus and the opening of more than 500,000 hotel rooms in 2025 alone. This expansion reflects a market preparation for a sharp increase in global tourist demand → your business strategies must keep pace with this.
The key takeaway: your immediate actions
- Use the keyword "tourism" in your communication and offers.
- Segment your products according to duration, experience, and growth areas.
- Adapt your hotel and transport partnerships to the increase in capacity.
- Highlight your differentiation and the value of your services.
- Train your teams for this new global dynamic.
- Monitor vulnerabilities: inflation, saturation, regulation.
- Inform your clients and partners about your preparation for this growth cycle.
Updates
Global Travel Report presented at the opening of WTM London, November 4, 2025. Forecast: +3.5% annual growth and $16 trillion in value by 2035.
Sources
TTN Worldwide – Travel industry growth to outpace global economy: WTM Global Travel report
WTTC – Global Travel & Tourism is strong despite economic headwinds
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