The future looks bright for the European Union’s Travel & Tourism industry. According to the latest Economic Impact Research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the sector is on track for remarkable growth, with projections showing over 4.5 million new jobs and a massive contribution to the EU economy by 2035.
A Decade of Expansion
By 2035, WTTC forecasts that Travel & Tourism will employ more than 30 million people across the EU—accounting for one in every seven jobs in the region. The sector’s GDP contribution is expected to climb to nearly €2.3 trillion, making up almost 11% of the EU’s economy.
This growth is set to outpace the broader economy, with a 10-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8%, compared to the EU’s overall 1.3%. Governments across the bloc are also projected to benefit, with annual tax revenues from the sector expected to top €900 billion.
Spending on the Rise
The WTTC’s report shows strong growth in both international and domestic travel spending:
- International visitor spending is forecast to hit €730 billion by 2035.
- Domestic spending is set to soar past €1.2 trillion, highlighting the growing appetite for travel within the EU.
What to Expect in 2025
Zooming into the near future, the EU’s Travel & Tourism sector is projected to:
- Add nearly €1.9 trillion to GDP, accounting for 10.5% of the EU’s total economy.
- Support nearly 26 million jobs, or 12% of the region’s total employment.
- See international visitor spending rise to €573 billion—an 11% year-on-year increase.
- Record domestic spending of €1.1 trillion, up 1.6% year-on-year.
A New Chapter in EU Tourism Policy
At a key WTTC meeting in Brussels, Apostolos Tzitzikostas was welcomed as the new European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport & Tourism. His appointment comes with the launch of a Sustainable Tourism Strategy, a move applauded by WTTC as a vital step toward responsible and inclusive sector growth.
This announcement signals a renewed EU-wide commitment to ensuring tourism continues to drive economic growth, employment, and innovation, while staying aligned with sustainability goals.
Spotlight on Rome: WTTC Global Summit 2025
Mark your calendars—Rome will host the WTTC Global Summit in September 2025. This high-profile event will gather global tourism leaders to discuss key themes like innovation, investment, and resilience. The selection of Rome underscores the EU’s central role in shaping the global travel and tourism landscape.
Reflecting on 2024
Looking back, 2024 was a strong year for EU tourism:
- The sector contributed €1.8 trillion to GDP—more than 10% of the EU’s economy and up 6% from 2019.
- Employment reached 24.5 million jobs, with a 5% year-on-year growth.
- Domestic spending hit €1 trillion, while international visitor spending climbed to €515 billion.
These milestones reinforce the EU Travel & Tourism sector’s resilience and upward trajectory.
Sustainability in Focus
Despite the strong performance, WTTC’s Environmental Social Research revealed that tourism-related emissions made up 12.7% of total EU emissions in 2023. This figure underscores the need for sustainable innovation as the industry grows.
Final Thoughts
The WTTC’s latest findings offer a compelling vision of what lies ahead for EU Travel & Tourism. With millions of new jobs, rising economic influence, and a strong push for sustainability, the sector is poised to be a cornerstone of Europe’s future prosperity.
Stay tuned for more updates on the WTTC Global Summit and developments in sustainable tourism policy across the EU.