‘Clear divergence’ emerges as travel and tourism strengthens position as fastest-growing sector

Asia-Pacific led global growth in travel while North America lagged behind last year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.  

 

Fresh data from the private sector body revealed a clear divergence in regional performance, with Asia-Pacific emerging as the fastest-growing region globally, while North America trailed behind other major markets.

 

Asia-Pacific recorded the strongest expansion in travel and tourism GDP in 2025, with growth of 8.1%, driven by reopening momentum, rising international demand, and strong regional connectivity, reaching $3.29 trillion. 

 

But North America saw “significantly slower” growth of just 1%, with travel and tourism GDP totalling $3.05 trillion, reflecting “continued challenges in international visitor recovery and more mature market dynamics”. 

 

This regional imbalance highlights how policy, investment, and international openness continue to shape the pace of growth across global markets, according to the WTTC.

 

The figures emerged as the WTTC’s latest economic impact research showed that travel and tourism’s global GDP contribution reached a record $11.6 trillion in 2025, accounting for 9.8% of the global economy. 

 

The sector’s growth at 4.1% exceeded overall global economic growth (2.8%) by almost 50%, “underscoring its role as a primary engine of global expansion”. 

 

Travel and tourism supported 366 million jobs (10.9%) worldwide in 2025 - a figure greater than the total population of the US – “reinforcing its critical role in global employment and livelihoods”. The sector also accounted for one in three new jobs created globally. 

 

The performance “confirms travel and tourism not only as a driver of recovery, but as a leading force shaping the future of the global economy,” according to the

WTTC, alongside lead research partner Chase Travel, travel provider within JPMorganChase.

 

While the report covers the 12 months prior to the Middle East crisis, the WTTC said it will continue to work closely with governments and industry leaders to support a full global recovery, strengthen resilience, and ensure travel and tourism remains a cornerstone of inclusive economic progress. 

 

WTTC president and chief executive Gloria Guevara said: “Despite the global challenges of 2025, the travel and tourism sector had its best year ever, which demonstrates its resilience. 

 

“In a truly record-breaking year, the sector contributed an unprecedented $11.6 trillion to the global economy. This exceptional performance underscores not only its economic strength, but its resilience and ability to outpace wider global growth. 

 

“The scale of global travel is equally remarkable. With 1.54 billion international overnight arrivals this year - equivalent to 4.2 million people travelling every day - travel and tourism continues to connect the world at an extraordinary pace, surpassing both last year’s levels and pre-pandemic benchmarks. 

 

“This is a defining moment. Governments around the world must recognise travel and tourism as a strategic priority and continue enabling policies that support growth, investment, and connectivity.” 

 

Jason Wynn, chief executive of Chase Travel, said: “What we’re seeing today is not just sustained demand for travel and tourism, but a reacceleration, as travellers prioritise meaningful experiences and plan with greater intention. 

 

“At the same time, the recovery remains uneven across markets, with affordability and capacity constraints influencing where and how people choose to travel. 

 

“In this environment, delivering seamless end-to-end journeys, expanding access and connectivity, and investing in smarter, more flexible travel experiences will be critical for Chase Travel and the industry at large.”