What’s going on here?

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) reports that travel and tourism will add a hefty $11.1 trillion to global GDP in 2024, signaling strong recovery and growth.

What does this mean?

The WTTC’s latest report shows the travel and tourism industry is not just recovering but thriving, with contributions to global GDP expected to reach $11.1 trillion in 2024. This represents a 12.1% increase from last year, accounting for about 10% of global spending. This surpasses the previous 2019 record by 7.5%, defying expectations of a downturn from high inflation and recession fears. The sector is set to support nearly 348 million jobs worldwide, 13.6 million more than the pre-pandemic peak. Key countries like the US, China, and Germany are leading in travel spending, making significant impacts on their GDPs.

Why should I care?

For markets: Travel stocks to watch.

The travel and tourism sector’s remarkable growth presents appealing opportunities for investors. Major players like the US, China, and Germany are driving travel spending, suggesting airlines, hotel chains, and online travel agencies in these regions could see significant gains. The robust job market indicates steady consumer demand, positively influencing overall market sentiment.

The bigger picture: Global economic lifeline.

Travel and tourism are proving to be vital economic drivers, impacting more than just leisure. They are spurring job creation, economic stability, and recovery in the post-pandemic era. WTTC CEO Julia Simpson emphasizes this industry’s role as a counterforce to economic fears, highlighting its potential to bolster economies worldwide. This growth indicates a shift in consumer priorities toward experiences and travel despite broader economic challenges.