WTTC calls for collaboration to build a more resilient tourism sector
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to strengthen the resilience of global travel and tourism and ensure its future growth delivers lasting benefits for destinations and local communities.
In an address to over 50 tourism ministers and senior government representatives at the WTM London Ministers’ Summit, WTTC President & CEO Gloria Guevara highlighted the importance of preparedness, leadership and coordinated action in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Drawing on WTTC’s research into more than 100 crises, including 9/11, the global financial crisis, geopolitical tensions, wars and the COVID-19 pandemic, Guevara described travel and tourism as the world’s most resilient sector, one that has consistently overcome challenges, adapted to change and moved forward.
In 2025, the sector contributed a record US$11.6 trillion to the global economy, equivalent to 9.8% of global GDP, and supported 366 million jobs worldwide. That is one in every nine jobs.
Guevara highlighted WTTC’s eight global strategic priorities which focus on enabling safe and seamless journeys through digital standards and biometrics; strengthening destination stewardship and addressing overcrowding; advancing climate and environmental sustainability; harnessing emerging technologies, including AI and robotics; enhancing crisis preparedness, management and recovery; expanding global connectivity and developing new travel corridors; supporting workforce development, talent retention and mobility; and promoting policies that drive investment and new growth opportunities.
Guevara emphasized that delivering these priorities depends on strong public-private collaboration, observing that: “Travel & Tourism has shown time and again its extraordinary resilience, and that gives us a strong foundation to build on. When governments and the private sector plan together, we can anticipate challenges rather than simply respond to them.”
Guevara continued: “Our ambition goes beyond recovery: together, we can build a stronger, more resilient sector that protects our natural and cultural assets, creates opportunities for local communities and delivers long-term value for destinations around the world.”
WTTC forecasts that travel and tourism will contribute US$11.9 trillion to global GDP in 2026, its highest level on record, and is expected to grow faster than the wider global economy. International arrivals are also forecast to increase by 29.8 million, representing annual growth of 1.9%.
These figures show the continued global desire to travel and the important opportunities ahead for the sector. Guevara noted that the task now is to turn this momentum into lasting progress by strengthening preparedness, ensuring communities benefit and making growth sustainable.
Go to www.wttc.org for more.
