GITNUXREPORT 2025

Tourism Industry Statistics

Tourism generated $9.4 trillion in 2022, driving global economic growth.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Ecotourism is a rapidly growing segment of the tourism industry, accounting for roughly 6% of global exports of environmental services

Statistic 2

Sustainable tourism initiatives have increased by over 40% from 2018 to 2022, according to WTTC

Statistic 3

The rise of digital nomadism has contributed to a 25% increase in long-term travel arrangements since 2019

Statistic 4

The 2025 sustainable tourism target aims to reduce tourism-related carbon emissions by 20%

Statistic 5

Indigenous cultural tourism is growing rapidly, accounting for nearly 4% of global tourism revenues in 2022

Statistic 6

Travel and tourism contributed approximately 2.9% to global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, highlighting the need for sustainable practices

Statistic 7

Increased investments in sustainable tourism practices are expected to reduce environmental impacts by 15-25% over the next decade

Statistic 8

The digital transformation in tourism, including virtual tours and AR experiences, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15% through 2025

Statistic 9

The rise of sustainable aviation fuels could reduce airline emissions by up to 80% per flight by 2030, supporting greener tourism

Statistic 10

The growth of luxury tourism is expected to reach 7% annually through 2028, driven by high-income travelers

Statistic 11

The total size of the global luxury travel market is projected to increase by 7% annually through 2028, driven by affluent consumers

Statistic 12

The global tourism industry generated approximately $9.4 trillion in revenue in 2022

Statistic 13

International tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 14

The tourism sector accounts for about 10% of the world's GDP

Statistic 15

The hotel industry alone contributes roughly $550 billion annually to the global economy

Statistic 16

Tourism employment accounts for approximately 1 in 10 jobs worldwide

Statistic 17

The average length of stay for international tourists is around 6.6 nights globally

Statistic 18

Cruise tourism accounted for over $50 billion in global revenue in 2019

Statistic 19

Tourism contributes roughly 60% of the total exports in some small island nations, such as the Maldives

Statistic 20

Tourism has been shown to boost local economies by increasing demand for transportation, food, and entertainment

Statistic 21

The global leisure and business travel markets are expected to reach $11.4 trillion by 2025

Statistic 22

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 73% drop in international tourist arrivals in 2020

Statistic 23

In 2022, the global tourism recovery led to a 119% increase in international arrivals compared to 2021

Statistic 24

Asia-Pacific countries are investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, with China investing over $127 billion in 2019 alone

Statistic 25

The global airline industry carried over 4.5 billion passengers in 2019, highlighting its vital role in tourism

Statistic 26

The global tourism workforce employed over 300 million people in 2019, making it a major source of employment

Statistic 27

In 2021, government spending on tourism promotion increased by 15% worldwide to stimulate recovery

Statistic 28

The most visited museum in the world, the Louvre, attracts over 9 million visitors annually

Statistic 29

The average annual growth rate of international tourism arrivals from 2010 to 2019 was about 4%

Statistic 30

Tourism supports 1 in 11 jobs worldwide, highlighting its role in employment

Statistic 31

The airline industry's total revenue was approximately $823 billion in 2019, supporting global travel infrastructure

Statistic 32

Tourism-related infrastructure investments have increased globally by 12% annually since 2018, supporting growth

Statistic 33

The total number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide is over 1,100, many of which are key tourist attractions

Statistic 34

The film-induced tourism market is valued at about $10 billion annually, attracting visitors to filming locations

Statistic 35

Tourism in small island developing states (SIDS) often represents over 80% of their total exports, underscoring their reliance on the sector

Statistic 36

The number of international overnight visitors to Australia was approximately 9.5 million in 2019, a significant influx supporting the economy

Statistic 37

In 2022, domestic tourists made up over 80% of global travel

Statistic 38

The average international tourist spends approximately $1,000 per trip

Statistic 39

The hospitality industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 40

Over 70% of international tourists prefer booking accommodations via online platforms

Statistic 41

Adventure tourism is a $683 billion industry, representing a significant segment of global tourism

Statistic 42

The average tourist spends about 42% of their travel budget on accommodation

Statistic 43

The number of Airbnb listings worldwide surpassed 6 million in 2022, reflecting growth in peer-to-peer accommodation

Statistic 44

Urban tourism accounts for approximately 50% of international arrivals, demonstrating the importance of city destinations

Statistic 45

Cultural tourism represents about 40% of all international travel, emphasizing the importance of heritage sites and museums

Statistic 46

The median age of international travelers is 40 years old, indicating an aging but still active traveler demographic

Statistic 47

Adventure tourism growth rate is projected at 20% annually through 2027, making it one of the fastest-growing segments

Statistic 48

The global spa industry generated around $94 billion in revenue in 2019, indicating a significant wellness tourism segment

Statistic 49

Sports tourism is valued at approximately $850 billion as of 2023, reflecting its importance as a niche market

Statistic 50

The rise of online review platforms like TripAdvisor has significantly influenced tourism choices, with 93% of travelers being impacted by reviews

Statistic 51

The global conference tourism sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2029, emphasizing business travel's importance

Statistic 52

In 2022, the total number of travel bookings made through mobile devices increased by 33%, indicating a shift towards mobile commerce

Statistic 53

Wellness tourism, including spa retreats and health trips, accounted for approximately $639 billion of global travel expenditures in 2022

Statistic 54

Family travel remains a key segment, with over 60% of travelers planning vacations suitable for children and family activities

Statistic 55

The number of international cruise passengers is forecasted to reach 33 million annually by 2030, reflecting industry growth

Statistic 56

The United States is the most visited country, with over 80 million international visitors in 2019

Statistic 57

Europe remains the most popular region for international tourists, accounting for about 51% of global arrivals in 2019

Statistic 58

Asia-Pacific region received over 340 million international tourist arrivals in 2019

Statistic 59

The number of inbound travelers to Africa increased by 6% in 2019, reaching 67 million

Statistic 60

The top five countries in tourism receipts in 2019 were the U.S., Spain, France, Thailand, and the UK

Statistic 61

The number of international tourist arrivals in China was over 65 million in 2019, making it one of the top destinations

Statistic 62

The Middle East saw a 10% increase in international visitors in 2019, with over 58 million arrivals

Statistic 63

In 2022, the top five source markets for inbound tourism were China, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France

Statistic 64

The number of international tourist arrivals in Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 4% in 2019, totaling over 210 million

Statistic 65

The average daily expenditure per tourist varies significantly by region, with Europe averaging $150 and Asia-Pacific around $100

Statistic 66

The top five outbound markets in 2022 were China, the United States, Germany, the UK, and France, reflecting major source regions

Statistic 67

The average daily spend of international tourists in Africa was approximately $195 in 2019, supporting local economies

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Key Highlights

  • The global tourism industry generated approximately $9.4 trillion in revenue in 2022
  • International tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic
  • The tourism sector accounts for about 10% of the world's GDP
  • In 2022, domestic tourists made up over 80% of global travel
  • The United States is the most visited country, with over 80 million international visitors in 2019
  • Europe remains the most popular region for international tourists, accounting for about 51% of global arrivals in 2019
  • The average international tourist spends approximately $1,000 per trip
  • Asia-Pacific region received over 340 million international tourist arrivals in 2019
  • The hotel industry alone contributes roughly $550 billion annually to the global economy
  • Tourism employment accounts for approximately 1 in 10 jobs worldwide
  • The average length of stay for international tourists is around 6.6 nights globally
  • Cruise tourism accounted for over $50 billion in global revenue in 2019
  • The number of inbound travelers to Africa increased by 6% in 2019, reaching 67 million

The tourism industry is bouncing back from the pandemic’s blow, boasting a staggering $9.4 trillion revenue in 2022 and encompassing a diverse array of sectors—from luxury and adventure to ecotourism and cultural heritage—that together drive global economies, support millions of jobs, and shape our cultural landscapes.

Emerging Trends and Sustainability

  • Ecotourism is a rapidly growing segment of the tourism industry, accounting for roughly 6% of global exports of environmental services
  • Sustainable tourism initiatives have increased by over 40% from 2018 to 2022, according to WTTC
  • The rise of digital nomadism has contributed to a 25% increase in long-term travel arrangements since 2019
  • The 2025 sustainable tourism target aims to reduce tourism-related carbon emissions by 20%
  • Indigenous cultural tourism is growing rapidly, accounting for nearly 4% of global tourism revenues in 2022
  • Travel and tourism contributed approximately 2.9% to global greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, highlighting the need for sustainable practices
  • Increased investments in sustainable tourism practices are expected to reduce environmental impacts by 15-25% over the next decade
  • The digital transformation in tourism, including virtual tours and AR experiences, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15% through 2025
  • The rise of sustainable aviation fuels could reduce airline emissions by up to 80% per flight by 2030, supporting greener tourism

Emerging Trends and Sustainability Interpretation

As ecotourism and sustainable initiatives swiftly gain ground—boosted by digital innovation and cultural enrichment—they underscore a vital shift towards greener, more responsible travel, aiming to slash the industry's carbon footprint by 20% by 2025, even as the sector grapples with contributing nearly 3% of global greenhouse gases.

Luxury and Specialized Travel

  • The growth of luxury tourism is expected to reach 7% annually through 2028, driven by high-income travelers
  • The total size of the global luxury travel market is projected to increase by 7% annually through 2028, driven by affluent consumers

Luxury and Specialized Travel Interpretation

As the luxury travel sector soars at a steady 7% annual clip fueled by high-income travelers, it’s clear that when it comes to extravagant escapades, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the starting point.

Tourism Industry Overview

  • The global tourism industry generated approximately $9.4 trillion in revenue in 2022
  • International tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic
  • The tourism sector accounts for about 10% of the world's GDP
  • The hotel industry alone contributes roughly $550 billion annually to the global economy
  • Tourism employment accounts for approximately 1 in 10 jobs worldwide
  • The average length of stay for international tourists is around 6.6 nights globally
  • Cruise tourism accounted for over $50 billion in global revenue in 2019
  • Tourism contributes roughly 60% of the total exports in some small island nations, such as the Maldives
  • Tourism has been shown to boost local economies by increasing demand for transportation, food, and entertainment
  • The global leisure and business travel markets are expected to reach $11.4 trillion by 2025
  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 73% drop in international tourist arrivals in 2020
  • In 2022, the global tourism recovery led to a 119% increase in international arrivals compared to 2021
  • Asia-Pacific countries are investing heavily in tourism infrastructure, with China investing over $127 billion in 2019 alone
  • The global airline industry carried over 4.5 billion passengers in 2019, highlighting its vital role in tourism
  • The global tourism workforce employed over 300 million people in 2019, making it a major source of employment
  • In 2021, government spending on tourism promotion increased by 15% worldwide to stimulate recovery
  • The most visited museum in the world, the Louvre, attracts over 9 million visitors annually
  • The average annual growth rate of international tourism arrivals from 2010 to 2019 was about 4%
  • Tourism supports 1 in 11 jobs worldwide, highlighting its role in employment
  • The airline industry's total revenue was approximately $823 billion in 2019, supporting global travel infrastructure
  • Tourism-related infrastructure investments have increased globally by 12% annually since 2018, supporting growth
  • The total number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide is over 1,100, many of which are key tourist attractions
  • The film-induced tourism market is valued at about $10 billion annually, attracting visitors to filming locations
  • Tourism in small island developing states (SIDS) often represents over 80% of their total exports, underscoring their reliance on the sector
  • The number of international overnight visitors to Australia was approximately 9.5 million in 2019, a significant influx supporting the economy

Tourism Industry Overview Interpretation

Despite a pandemic-induced 73% slump in 2020, the global tourism industry rebounded with a 119% surge in 2022, proving that after a global pause, our collective wanderlust is back, fueling a $9.4 trillion economy and supporting one in ten jobs worldwide—reminding us that travel not only broadens horizons but also underpins a significant chunk of global GDP.

Tourism Segments and Types

  • In 2022, domestic tourists made up over 80% of global travel
  • The average international tourist spends approximately $1,000 per trip
  • The hospitality industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2023 to 2030
  • Over 70% of international tourists prefer booking accommodations via online platforms
  • Adventure tourism is a $683 billion industry, representing a significant segment of global tourism
  • The average tourist spends about 42% of their travel budget on accommodation
  • The number of Airbnb listings worldwide surpassed 6 million in 2022, reflecting growth in peer-to-peer accommodation
  • Urban tourism accounts for approximately 50% of international arrivals, demonstrating the importance of city destinations
  • Cultural tourism represents about 40% of all international travel, emphasizing the importance of heritage sites and museums
  • The median age of international travelers is 40 years old, indicating an aging but still active traveler demographic
  • Adventure tourism growth rate is projected at 20% annually through 2027, making it one of the fastest-growing segments
  • The global spa industry generated around $94 billion in revenue in 2019, indicating a significant wellness tourism segment
  • Sports tourism is valued at approximately $850 billion as of 2023, reflecting its importance as a niche market
  • The rise of online review platforms like TripAdvisor has significantly influenced tourism choices, with 93% of travelers being impacted by reviews
  • The global conference tourism sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2029, emphasizing business travel's importance
  • In 2022, the total number of travel bookings made through mobile devices increased by 33%, indicating a shift towards mobile commerce
  • Wellness tourism, including spa retreats and health trips, accounted for approximately $639 billion of global travel expenditures in 2022
  • Family travel remains a key segment, with over 60% of travelers planning vacations suitable for children and family activities
  • The number of international cruise passengers is forecasted to reach 33 million annually by 2030, reflecting industry growth

Tourism Segments and Types Interpretation

Despite a burgeoning industry where adventure tourism grows at 20% annually and wellness sectors generate billions, over 80% of global travel still depends on domestic journeys and city-centric urban tourism, illustrating that while travelers seek novelty and self-care, they predominantly favor familiar horizons and quick, convenient online bookings, with review platforms like TripAdvisor wielding clout comparable to traditional travel agencies.

Tourism by Region and Country

  • The United States is the most visited country, with over 80 million international visitors in 2019
  • Europe remains the most popular region for international tourists, accounting for about 51% of global arrivals in 2019
  • Asia-Pacific region received over 340 million international tourist arrivals in 2019
  • The number of inbound travelers to Africa increased by 6% in 2019, reaching 67 million
  • The top five countries in tourism receipts in 2019 were the U.S., Spain, France, Thailand, and the UK
  • The number of international tourist arrivals in China was over 65 million in 2019, making it one of the top destinations
  • The Middle East saw a 10% increase in international visitors in 2019, with over 58 million arrivals
  • In 2022, the top five source markets for inbound tourism were China, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France
  • The number of international tourist arrivals in Latin America and the Caribbean grew by 4% in 2019, totaling over 210 million
  • The average daily expenditure per tourist varies significantly by region, with Europe averaging $150 and Asia-Pacific around $100
  • The top five outbound markets in 2022 were China, the United States, Germany, the UK, and France, reflecting major source regions
  • The average daily spend of international tourists in Africa was approximately $195 in 2019, supporting local economies

Tourism by Region and Country Interpretation

While Europe continues to charm over half of all global travelers and the US remains the most visited country, the rise in Asian and Middle Eastern arrivals highlights a shifting landscape where emerging markets are turning tourism into a vital economic engine, with regional spending patterns underscoring the varying impacts and opportunities across the globe.