GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Global Travel Industry Statistics

The global travel industry is projected to experience steady growth over the next few years due to factors such as rising disposable incomes, increased internet penetration, and a growing desire for experiential travel.

Highlights: Global Travel Industry Statistics

  • In 2019, the international tourism industry generated over 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars in revenue
  • Global business travel spending hit a record-breaking $1.28 trillion USD in 2017, and was expected to advance another 7% through 2022
  • The United Nations World Tourism Organization reported that international tourist arrivals worldwide grew from 25 million in 1950 to 1.466 billion in 2019
  • Over 5.5 million jobs in the United States are supported by the travel industry
  • In 2018, China's outbound travelers spent $277.3 billion, maintaining its leading position in the global outbound tourism market
  • In 2019, Europe was the leading tourist destination worldwide, with internal tourism expenditures amounting to about 570 billion Euros
  • American employees forfeited about 768 million vacation days in 2019, equating to billions lost in potential travel industry revenue
  • The number of international arrivals in Africa increased from 17.4 million in 1990 to 71 million in 2019, reflecting a significant rise in travel tourism
  • In 2019, there were approximately 440 million international visits to the Asia Pacific region
  • As a whole, Latin America and the Caribbean welcomed 113.5 million international arrival in 2019
  • In 2017, international tourism spending in Indonesia reached about 17 billion U.S. dollars
  • The global cruise market was estimated to be worth about 49.37 billion U.S dollars in 2019
  • In 2020, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the YoY percentage change in air travel transactions worldwide declined by 69 percent
  • In 2019, travel and tourism directly contributed 2.8 trillion U.S. dollars to global GDP
  • International leisure tourists worldwide amounted to approximately 1.4 billion in 2019
  • France, the most visited country in the world, saw almost 90 million international tourists in 2018
  • In 2019, travel and tourism made a total global economic contribution of about 9.25 trillion U.S. dollars
  • After the pandemic, it is estimated that tourism spending globally will recover in 2024 to 1.7 trillion U.S dollars
  • Travel & Tourism is expected to support 410 million jobs or 1 in 9 of all jobs on the planet by 2029
  • The United States had the largest travel and tourism industry worldwide in 2019, with a total contribution to GDP reaching 1.92 trillion U.S. dollars

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The Latest Global Travel Industry Statistics Explained

In 2019, the international tourism industry generated over 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars in revenue

The statistic that in 2019, the international tourism industry generated over 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars in revenue highlights the immense economic impact of global tourism. This figure represents the total amount of money earned from travel-related activities such as accommodations, transportation, attractions, and services around the world. The significance of this revenue is indicative of the industry’s vast scale and importance in driving economic growth and development. It underscores the fact that tourism plays a crucial role in generating income, creating jobs, and fostering international cooperation and cultural exchange. As such, the statistic serves as a testament to the substantial contribution of the tourism sector to the global economy and highlights the potential for further growth and investment in this key industry.

Global business travel spending hit a record-breaking $1.28 trillion USD in 2017, and was expected to advance another 7% through 2022

The statistic indicates that global business travel spending reached an all-time high of $1.28 trillion USD in 2017, reflecting the significant economic impact of business travel on a global scale. The projected growth of an additional 7% through 2022 suggests a continued upward trend in business travel spending, highlighting the importance of business trips for companies worldwide. This growth may be driven by factors such as expanding global markets, increased business partnerships, and advancements in technology that facilitate international business operations. The statistic underscores the growing importance of business travel as a key driver for economic activity and business expansion in the global marketplace.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization reported that international tourist arrivals worldwide grew from 25 million in 1950 to 1.466 billion in 2019

The statistic provided by the United Nations World Tourism Organization highlights the significant growth in international tourist arrivals over the past seven decades, from 25 million in 1950 to a staggering 1.466 billion in 2019. This remarkable increase signifies the growing importance and popularity of global tourism as people seek to explore different destinations and cultures around the world. The rapid growth in international tourist arrivals also reflects the advancements in transportation, technology, and global connectivity that have made travel more accessible and convenient for individuals. Additionally, this statistic underscores the economic impact of tourism on countries and regions, as it represents a substantial source of revenue and job creation within the industry.

Over 5.5 million jobs in the United States are supported by the travel industry

The statistic that over 5.5 million jobs in the United States are supported by the travel industry highlights the significant economic impact and importance of this sector in providing employment opportunities. These jobs encompass a wide range of roles across various industries such as hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and tourism services. The sheer magnitude of the number underscores the interconnectedness of the travel industry with the overall economy, as these jobs not only contribute to the livelihoods of individuals but also support local businesses, communities, and the economy as a whole. Consequently, policies and initiatives that promote and sustain the travel industry can have far-reaching effects on job creation, economic growth, and overall well-being in the United States.

In 2018, China’s outbound travelers spent $277.3 billion, maintaining its leading position in the global outbound tourism market

In 2018, China’s outbound travelers expended a total of $277.3 billion, reinforcing the country’s dominant standing in the worldwide outbound tourism sector. This statistic exemplifies China’s remarkable economic influence on the global tourism industry, as its citizens continue to spend considerable amounts of money while traveling abroad. By maintaining its position as the top spender in outbound tourism, China underscores its significance as a key player in driving international tourism revenue and shaping the global travel landscape.

In 2019, Europe was the leading tourist destination worldwide, with internal tourism expenditures amounting to about 570 billion Euros

The statistic indicates that in 2019, Europe was the most popular tourist destination globally, based on internal tourism expenditures amounting to approximately 570 billion Euros. This figure reflects the significant economic contribution of the tourism industry in Europe, with travelers spending a substantial amount within the continent. The high level of tourism expenditure suggests a robust tourism industry in Europe, with a wide range of attractions, infrastructure, and services to cater to the needs of visitors. This statistic positions Europe as a key player in the global tourism market and highlights its appeal to both domestic and international tourists looking for diverse and enriching travel experiences.

American employees forfeited about 768 million vacation days in 2019, equating to billions lost in potential travel industry revenue

In 2019, American employees collectively gave up a total of 768 million vacation days, representing a significant amount of unused time off. This statistic highlights a concerning trend of workers not taking time off or leaving vacation days on the table. As a result, billions of potential revenue for the travel industry were lost, with fewer people traveling and spending money on tourism-related activities. This trend not only affects the travel industry’s bottom line but also raises concerns about burnout, work-life balance, and overall well-being among employees. It underscores the importance of taking breaks and utilizing allocated vacation days to benefit both individuals and the economy as a whole.

The number of international arrivals in Africa increased from 17.4 million in 1990 to 71 million in 2019, reflecting a significant rise in travel tourism

The statistic indicates a substantial growth in international tourism to Africa over the period from 1990 to 2019, with the number of international arrivals increasing from 17.4 million to 71 million. This represents a fourfold increase in the number of visitors to the continent over nearly three decades, highlighting the growing popularity of Africa as a tourism destination. The sharp rise in international arrivals suggests an increased interest in Africa’s diverse attractions, including its wildlife, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage, as well as improvements in infrastructure, accessibility, and marketing efforts by African countries. This growth in tourism can have positive impacts on the local economies by creating jobs, generating revenue, and promoting cultural exchange and understanding between visitors and host communities.

In 2019, there were approximately 440 million international visits to the Asia Pacific region

In 2019, the Asia Pacific region attracted a significant number of international visitors, with approximately 440 million visits recorded. This statistic serves as a key indicator of the region’s tourism industry’s strength and attractiveness to global travelers. The high volume of international visits suggests that the Asia Pacific region offers a diverse range of attractions, including cultural heritage sites, natural wonders, and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. Additionally, the large number of international visits signifies the region’s significant economic impact from tourism, as it generates revenue through various activities such as accommodations, dining, transportation, and shopping, contributing to the region’s overall economic growth.

As a whole, Latin America and the Caribbean welcomed 113.5 million international arrival in 2019

The statistic “As a whole, Latin America and the Caribbean welcomed 113.5 million international arrivals in 2019” represents the total number of tourists and travelers from around the world who visited countries within the Latin American and Caribbean region during the year 2019. This figure highlights the significant role that tourism plays in the economies of these regions, bringing in valuable revenue, creating job opportunities, and supporting local communities. The high number of international arrivals reflects the diverse and appealing attractions that Latin America and the Caribbean offer to visitors, including stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultures, historical sites, and unique experiences, making it a popular destination for global travelers.

In 2017, international tourism spending in Indonesia reached about 17 billion U.S. dollars

The statistic that international tourism spending in Indonesia reached about 17 billion U.S. dollars in 2017 denotes the total amount of money spent by foreign tourists within the country during that year. This figure is indicative of the significant economic contribution of international tourism to Indonesia’s economy, highlighting the country’s appeal as a tourist destination. The substantial spending reflects the influx of visitors engaging in various activities such as accommodation, transportation, shopping, dining, and entertainment, thereby supporting local businesses and employment opportunities. Furthermore, this statistic underscores the importance of the tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth and development in Indonesia, as well as the potential for further expansion and promotion of the country’s tourism industry in the global market.

The global cruise market was estimated to be worth about 49.37 billion U.S dollars in 2019

The statistic indicates that the global cruise market had an estimated value of approximately 49.37 billion U.S dollars in 2019. This figure represents the total revenue generated by the cruise industry worldwide during that particular year. The value reflects the financial significance and economic impact of the cruise market, highlighting it as a thriving sector within the travel and tourism industry. The statistic also serves as a benchmark for assessing the growth and performance of the cruise industry over time, providing valuable insights into consumer demand, market trends, and the overall health of the industry.

In 2020, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the YoY percentage change in air travel transactions worldwide declined by 69 percent

The statistic indicates that in 2020, there was a significant decline in air travel transactions worldwide compared to the previous year, with a year-over-year (YoY) percentage change of -69%. This sharp decrease can be attributed primarily to the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic, which led to widespread travel restrictions, border closures, and reduced consumer demand for air travel. The magnitude of the decline represents a substantial shift in the aviation industry’s performance, resulting in severe economic repercussions for airlines, airports, and related businesses. The negative 69% YoY change highlights the unprecedented challenges faced by the air travel sector during the pandemic and underscores the urgent need for industry stakeholders to implement innovative strategies to navigate the crisis and recover in the post-pandemic era.

In 2019, travel and tourism directly contributed 2.8 trillion U.S. dollars to global GDP

The statistic that in 2019, travel and tourism directly contributed 2.8 trillion U.S. dollars to global GDP refers to the total economic value generated by the travel and tourism industry worldwide during that year. This figure represents the direct impact of the industry on the global economy, including revenues generated from activities such as accommodation, transportation, entertainment, and other related services. The significant contribution of 2.8 trillion U.S. dollars highlights the importance of the travel and tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth, employment, and development on a global scale, emphasizing its role in stimulating consumption, investment, and trade across various countries and regions.

International leisure tourists worldwide amounted to approximately 1.4 billion in 2019

The statistic stating that international leisure tourists worldwide amounted to approximately 1.4 billion in 2019 signifies the significant scale and impact of global tourism as a form of leisure activity. This data point reflects the widespread desire for people to explore new destinations, experience different cultures, and relax during their leisure time on an international scale. The sheer magnitude of 1.4 billion leisure tourists indicates the economic importance of tourism to various countries and regions around the world, as well as the opportunities and challenges that arise from managing such a large number of visitors. Additionally, the statistic underscores the role of tourism in fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting economic development through the exchange of services and experiences.

France, the most visited country in the world, saw almost 90 million international tourists in 2018

This statistic highlights the popularity and appeal of France as a tourist destination on a global scale. With nearly 90 million international tourists in 2018, France solidified its status as the most visited country in the world. This impressive figure underscores the country’s diverse attractions, such as iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, rich cultural heritage, world-class cuisine, and picturesque landscapes. The significant number of international tourists in France also reflects the country’s well-established tourism infrastructure, accessibility, and reputation as a top destination for leisure and travel experiences.

In 2019, travel and tourism made a total global economic contribution of about 9.25 trillion U.S. dollars

The statistic that in 2019, travel and tourism made a total global economic contribution of about 9.25 trillion U.S. dollars highlights the significant impact of the industry on the worldwide economy. This figure represents the combined value of various activities within the travel and tourism sector, including expenditures on accommodation, transportation, food and beverages, entertainment, and other related services. The large economic contribution underscores the importance of travel and tourism as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and development in numerous countries around the world. The sector’s robust performance indicates its resilience and potential for continued expansion in the future, making it a crucial consideration for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders seeking to leverage its economic benefits.

After the pandemic, it is estimated that tourism spending globally will recover in 2024 to 1.7 trillion U.S dollars

The statistic indicates that following the impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry, there is an expectation for a gradual recovery in global tourism spending, with an estimated target of reaching 1.7 trillion U.S dollars by 2024. This figure suggests a timeline for the industry to recover to pre-pandemic levels, with spending expected to increase steadily over the next few years. The projected recovery of tourism spending reflects optimism in the industry’s ability to bounce back and resume its growth trajectory as global travel restrictions ease and consumer confidence in international travel is restored. However, uncertainties remain, and factors such as vaccine distribution, travel regulations, and economic conditions will continue to influence the pace and shape of this recovery.

Travel & Tourism is expected to support 410 million jobs or 1 in 9 of all jobs on the planet by 2029

This statistic suggests that the Travel & Tourism industry is projected to have a significant impact on global employment, with an estimated 410 million jobs being supported by this sector by 2029. This represents approximately 1 in 9 jobs worldwide, indicating the industry’s substantial contribution to job creation and economic activity across the globe. The growth of Travel & Tourism is expected to provide employment opportunities for a diverse range of individuals, from hospitality and transportation to tour operators and travel agencies, highlighting the industry’s importance in driving employment growth and supporting livelihoods on a global scale.

The United States had the largest travel and tourism industry worldwide in 2019, with a total contribution to GDP reaching 1.92 trillion U.S. dollars

The statistic signifies the significant economic impact of the travel and tourism industry in the United States in 2019, highlighting its leading position globally. The total contribution of 1.92 trillion U.S. dollars to the country’s GDP underlines the industry’s substantial role in driving economic growth, job creation, and revenue generation. This figure not only reflects the industry’s direct contributions, such as travel-related spendings and investments, but also its indirect impacts on various sectors like hospitality, transportation, and entertainment. The United States’ dominance in the global travel and tourism market underscores its attractiveness as a destination for both domestic and international tourists, showcasing the industry’s vital importance to the overall economy.

Conclusion

Travel industry statistics provide valuable insights into the trends and patterns of global tourism. By analyzing data on international arrivals, tourism expenditures, and market growth, stakeholders can make informed decisions to drive the industry forward. Understanding the numbers behind the travel industry is crucial for planning marketing strategies, improving infrastructure, and enhancing the overall tourism experience for travelers worldwide. Stay informed, stay competitive, and embrace the power of data in shaping the future of global travel.

References

0. – https://www.www.statista.com

1. – https://www.www.concur.com

2. – https://www.www.wttc.org

3. – https://www.www.ustravel.org

4. – https://www.www.globenewswire.com

5. – https://www.www.chinatravelnews.com

6. – https://www.www.unwto.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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