1. The tourism sector
Tourism makes a major contribution to the global economy. It directly contributed $2.2 trillion to
world GDP (alomst 10% of the global economy) in 2015 and provided over 108 million jobs
globally. By 2024, the World Travel & Tourism Council expects direct employment in the
tourism industry to be more than 126 million people globally.
When looking at the jobs and GDP supported through the indirect and induced impacts of
tourism, the figures are significantly higher at 285 million jobs (8.7% of employment) and $7.2
trillion, or 9.8% of the global economy. By 2026, tourism could support some 370 million jobs
and $11 trillion in GDP.
Aviation’s crucial tourism role
Aviation plays a central role in supporting tourism. Over 54% of international tourists now travel
by air. Tourism is particularly important in many developing countries, where it is a key part of
economic development strategies. In Africa, an estimated 5.8 million people are employed in
areas supported by the steady influx of overseas visitors, most of whom arrive in the region by
air, and contributed $46 billion to GDP in African economies in 2014 In some Caribbean
countries, tourism provides one of the few means of economic growth.
The contribution of air transport to tourism employment and GDP:
Direct: 15.9 million direct jobs in tourism globally are estimated to be supported by the
spending of foreign visitors arriving by air. This includes jobs in industries such as hotels,
restaurants, visitor attractions, local transport and car rental, but it excludes air transport
industry jobs.
Indirect: A further 13.4 million indirect jobs in industries supplying the tourism industry
are supported by visitors arriving by air.
Induced: These direct and indirect tourism jobs supported by air transport generate a
further 7 million jobs in other parts of the economy, through employees spending their
earnings on other goods and services.
Including direct, indirect, and induced effects, air transport supports 36 million jobs within
tourism, contributing around $892 billion a year to world GDP.
Sustainable tourism
Tourism as a service industry can play a role in supporting sustainable economic growth. When
developed in a responsible and strategic way, tourism can provide important service sector jobs
whilst preserving (and, indeed, celebrating) natural resources, rather than depleting them.
However, there needs to be a focus by both tourism operators and government to ensure that
planned growth is done with sufficient regard to the environmental and social conditions, as well
as the economic benefits it can bring.
2. There are great examples of economies taking a proactive strategic view of the development of
tourism as a key national sector, doing so in an holistic and sustainable manner. New Zealand,
Costa Rica, Iceland, and Bhutan are examples of countries that have taken this opportunity in an
enthusiastic way. The World Travel & Tourism Council sets out some of the key aspects of
responsible ‘tourism for tomorrow’ which, while growing:
Impacts natural and cultural environments in a positive way
Provides benefits to all sectors of society, including young people, women and
indigenous peoples
Attracts and develops a skilled workforce to support growing demand
Stimulates consumer demand for sustainable products
Uses latest technology to find innovative solutions to future challenges
How to harness the benefits of a growing tourism sector
There are some things governments can do relatively easily to boost their national tourism
sectors. Whilst many governments spend lots of money promoting their countries as destinations,
a number complicate visits by instituting lengthy visa processes, placing high taxes on arriving
or departing tourists or not engaging in ‘joined-up thinking’ at a regional level. There are signs
of improvement in these areas, with some regional groups like APEC and ASEAN discussing
ways they can make travel to and within their regions simpler. Europe, with a single Schengen
visa, is a good example of regional thinking, but the UK government is missing out on tourists,
as those applying for a Schengen visa have to apply for a UK visa separately.
Opening up air markets (allowing airlines to start services without having to go through lengthy
government-to-government negotiations for every new route or airline) has proven to be a real
driver of travel, tourism and the economic benefits that can bring.
Finally, States should ensure that they regularly review the capacity of their airport and air traffic
infrastructure versus projected demand. This will ensure that aviation can continue to support
tourism development and deliver wider economic benefits.
For more details about the benefits of tourism to the global economy,
