GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Tourism Industry Statistics

Tourism Industry Statistics provide information on the number of tourists, their spending habits, travel trends, and economic impact on both local and global scales.

Highlights: Tourism Industry Statistics

  • International tourist arrivals declined by 74% (roughly one billion fewer arrivals) in 2020 compared to 2019.
  • Tourism industry contributed over $8.27 trillion to the global economy in 2017.
  • The European Union reported the highest number of international tourist arrivals globally in 2019.
  • In 2019, France was the most visited country in the world with over 89 million tourists.
  • The travel sector supported 330 million jobs worldwide in 2019.
  • Travel and tourism constituted 10.3% of the global GDP in 2019.
  • In the United States, the travel and tourism industry generated around 580.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.
  • China is the largest travel and tourism economy in Asia.
  • International travel spending decreased by 71% in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Domestic tourism represents 75% of the world's tourism market as of 2020.
  • Adventure tourism is an $683 billion industry as of 2017.
  • The global wildlife tourism industry was growing 10% per year pre-Covid.
  • In 2018, international tourism receipts totaled $1.34 trillion worldwide.
  • Cruise Industry's contribution to U.S. economy in 2018 was $52.7 billion.
  • By 2029, travel and tourism is predicted to support 421 million jobs worldwide.
  • Millennial travel spending surpassed $200 billion annually pre-Covid.
  • In 2020, hotel industry revenue worldwide dropped to $387.31 billion, a sharp decrease from $600 billion in 2019.
  • In 2019, global Ecotourism was growing at a rate of about 10-30% per year.
  • In 2019, American travelers took 463.6 million business trips.

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The Latest Tourism Industry Statistics Explained

International tourist arrivals declined by 74% (roughly one billion fewer arrivals) in 2020 compared to 2019.

The statistic indicates a significant and unprecedented decline in international tourism in 2020 as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The 74% drop in international tourist arrivals signifies a massive downturn in travel and the tourism industry, with approximately one billion fewer arrivals compared to the previous year. This decline can be attributed to widespread travel restrictions, border closures, lockdown measures, and general uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, leading to a sharp decrease in leisure and business travel worldwide. The implications of this statistic highlight the severe impact of the pandemic on the tourism sector, with potential long-lasting effects on economies that heavily rely on tourism for revenue and employment.

Tourism industry contributed over $8.27 trillion to the global economy in 2017.

The statistic that the tourism industry contributed over $8.27 trillion to the global economy in 2017 indicates the significant economic impact of tourism on a global scale. This figure represents the total value of goods and services produced by the tourism industry worldwide. The tourism industry encompasses a wide range of sectors including accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, entertainment, and more, making it a major driver of economic growth and employment opportunities in many countries. The substantial contribution of $8.27 trillion underscores the importance of the tourism industry as a key player in the global economy, stimulating economic activity, creating jobs, and fostering international trade and investment.

The European Union reported the highest number of international tourist arrivals globally in 2019.

The statistic that the European Union reported the highest number of international tourist arrivals globally in 2019 indicates that Europe was the most visited region by international travelers during that year. This suggests that the European Union countries collectively attracted more tourists than any other region or country worldwide. The high number of international tourist arrivals in Europe can be attributed to various factors such as its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, historical landmarks, and well-developed tourism infrastructure. This statistic highlights the significance of Europe as a major tourist destination and underscores its appeal to travelers from around the world.

In 2019, France was the most visited country in the world with over 89 million tourists.

The statistic that in 2019, France was the most visited country in the world with over 89 million tourists indicates the significant appeal and popularity of France as a tourist destination on a global scale. The high number of tourists reflects the country’s diverse attractions, including iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, cultural heritage sites, world-renowned cuisine, and scenic landscapes. France’s rich history, art, fashion, and wine regions also contribute to its allure for visitors. The statistic highlights France’s strong tourism industry and its ability to attract a large number of tourists, generating economic benefits through spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and shopping, thereby contributing to the country’s economy and international reputation as a premier travel destination.

The travel sector supported 330 million jobs worldwide in 2019.

The statistic “The travel sector supported 330 million jobs worldwide in 2019” indicates the significant impact that the travel industry has on global employment. This figure represents the number of jobs directly and indirectly generated by activities related to travel and tourism, encompassing a wide range of roles in fields such as hospitality, transportation, attractions, and services. The statistic highlights the sector’s role as a major employer, contributing to economic growth and providing livelihoods for millions of individuals across the globe. Furthermore, it underscores the interconnectedness of the travel industry with other sectors of the economy, making it a key driver of employment opportunities and economic prosperity on a global scale.

Travel and tourism constituted 10.3% of the global GDP in 2019.

The statistic “Travel and tourism constituted 10.3% of the global GDP in 2019” indicates that the combined economic value generated by the travel and tourism industry accounted for 10.3% of the total global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the year 2019. This suggests that the travel and tourism sector significantly contributed to the overall economic output of countries worldwide. A high percentage such as 10.3% highlights the industry’s substantial impact on various economies, as it reflects the expenditures made by both domestic and international tourists on transportation, accommodation, leisure activities, and other related services. This statistic underscores the importance of the travel and tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth and job creation on a global scale.

In the United States, the travel and tourism industry generated around 580.7 billion U.S. dollars in 2019.

The statistic indicates that the travel and tourism industry in the United States had a significant economic impact in 2019, generating approximately 580.7 billion U.S. dollars. This figure reflects the total revenue generated by various sectors within the industry, including transportation, accommodation, entertainment, and other related services. The travel and tourism sector is a vital contributor to the U.S. economy, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the overall GDP. The substantial revenue generated showcases the industry’s significance in driving economic growth, stimulating consumer spending, and promoting both domestic and international travel within the country.

China is the largest travel and tourism economy in Asia.

The statistic that China is the largest travel and tourism economy in Asia means that China’s travel and tourism industry generates the highest level of revenue and economic impact among all the countries in the region. This indicates that China attracts the most tourists, both domestic and international, and has a wide range of tourism offerings such as cultural sites, natural attractions, and modern amenities. The size and significance of China’s travel and tourism sector contribute substantially to the country’s overall economic growth and development, showcasing its ability to capitalize on the growing demand for travel experiences in Asia.

International travel spending decreased by 71% in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The statistic that international travel spending decreased by 71% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the significant impact the global health crisis had on the tourism industry. The sharp decline in international travel reflects widespread travel restrictions, border closures, and decreased consumer confidence in traveling during a pandemic. This statistic not only indicates a substantial economic downturn for the tourism sector but also underscores the broader socio-economic repercussions of the pandemic, such as job losses in the travel industry and reduced revenue for businesses dependent on tourism. Overall, the drastic reduction in international travel spending serves as a stark reminder of the pandemic’s far-reaching consequences on the global economy.

Domestic tourism represents 75% of the world’s tourism market as of 2020.

The statistic indicating that domestic tourism represents 75% of the world’s tourism market as of 2020 highlights the significant contribution of travel within one’s own country towards the global tourism industry. This suggests that the majority of tourism activities such as vacations, visits to attractions, and leisure travel are being conducted by local residents within their own country rather than international travelers. The high percentage of domestic tourism may be influenced by factors such as ease of access, affordability, cultural familiarity, and travel restrictions amidst global events. Understanding this statistic provides valuable insights into the resilience and importance of domestic tourism sectors in various countries, particularly in times of global challenges impacting international travel.

Adventure tourism is an $683 billion industry as of 2017.

The statistic ‘Adventure tourism is an $683 billion industry as of 2017’ indicates the estimated total economic value attributed to adventure tourism activities in the year 2017. This figure represents the collective sum of revenues generated from various adventurous and nature-based activities such as hiking, mountaineering, wilderness camping, and other related experiences across different regions globally. The statistic underscores the significant economic impact and growth potential of the adventure tourism sector, emphasizing its importance in the travel and leisure industry. The $683 billion valuation demonstrates the substantial market size and consumer demand for adventure-based travel experiences in 2017.

The global wildlife tourism industry was growing 10% per year pre-Covid.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the global wildlife tourism industry was experiencing significant growth at a rate of 10% per year. This statistic suggests that there was a growing interest and demand for wildlife-related tourism activities such as safaris, nature reserves visits, and animal encounters. The steady annual growth rate indicates a strong and consistent momentum in the industry, pointing towards a positive trend in terms of revenue generation, employment opportunities, and overall economic impact. However, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic likely had a substantial effect on this growth trajectory due to travel restrictions, border closures, and reduced tourism activities worldwide.

In 2018, international tourism receipts totaled $1.34 trillion worldwide.

The statistic states that in 2018, the overall amount of money generated from international tourism, known as tourism receipts, across the globe reached a record high of $1.34 trillion. This figure represents the total revenue obtained from tourists spending money on various goods and services during their visits to different countries. The substantial amount indicates the significant economic impact of tourism on both a global and local scale, highlighting the industry’s crucial role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting businesses within the tourism sector. Additionally, this statistic can also reflect the increasing trend of international travel and tourism activities worldwide, showcasing the growing importance of the industry in the global economy.

Cruise Industry’s contribution to U.S. economy in 2018 was $52.7 billion.

The statistic that the Cruise Industry contributed $52.7 billion to the U.S. economy in 2018 indicates the significant economic impact of the industry. This figure represents the total value of goods and services generated by cruise line operations, including spending by cruise passengers, cruise lines, and related businesses. The contribution includes direct spending on cruise fares, onboard expenses, and industry investments, as well as indirect spending on supporting industries such as transportation, tourism, and hospitality. The cruise industry plays a crucial role in creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and generating tax revenue, making it a substantial driver of economic activity in the United States.

By 2029, travel and tourism is predicted to support 421 million jobs worldwide.

The statistic that by 2029, travel and tourism is predicted to support 421 million jobs worldwide indicates the significant economic impact and potential growth of the industry in the coming years. This projection suggests that the travel and tourism sector will continue to be a major driver of employment opportunities globally, showcasing its importance in contributing to job creation and workforce development. The statistic highlights the potential for job growth in various sectors within the travel and tourism industry, including hospitality, transportation, recreation, and entertainment. As such, this projection underscores the importance of investing in and supporting the continued development of the travel and tourism industry to harness its potential benefits for job creation and economic prosperity on a global scale.

Millennial travel spending surpassed $200 billion annually pre-Covid.

The statistic “Millennial travel spending surpassed $200 billion annually pre-Covid” indicates that before the Covid-19 pandemic, individuals belonging to the millennial generation were collectively spending over $200 billion per year on travel-related expenses. This suggests that millennials, who are typically defined as individuals born between the early 1980s and mid-1990s, were a key demographic driving significant economic activity in the travel industry. The statistic highlights the substantial financial impact of millennial travelers on the travel sector and underscores their importance as a consumer group for businesses operating in the tourism and hospitality industries.

In 2020, hotel industry revenue worldwide dropped to $387.31 billion, a sharp decrease from $600 billion in 2019.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the global hotel industry experienced a significant downturn in revenue, plummeting to $387.31 billion from $600 billion in 2019. This sharp decrease highlights the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality sector, as travel restrictions, lockdowns, and reduced consumer confidence led to a drastic decline in hotel bookings and occupancy rates. The 35% drop in revenue underscores the unprecedented challenges faced by hotels around the world in 2020, forcing many establishments to implement cost-cutting measures, lay off staff, and adapt their operations to survive in an extremely challenging business environment.

In 2019, global Ecotourism was growing at a rate of about 10-30% per year.

The statistic indicates that in 2019, the ecotourism industry was experiencing significant growth, with a growth rate estimated to be between 10% and 30% per year. This suggests that there is a growing interest in environmentally sustainable and responsible travel practices among tourists worldwide. The potential reasons behind this growth could include increasing awareness of environmental issues, a desire to support conservation efforts, and a shift towards more authentic and immersive travel experiences. The statistic highlights the positive momentum of ecotourism as a growing sector within the global travel industry, reflecting a changing consumer mindset towards more sustainable and ethical tourism practices.

In 2019, American travelers took 463.6 million business trips.

The statistic reveals that in 2019, American travelers collectively embarked on a significant number of business trips, totaling 463.6 million. This data point underscores the high volume and frequency of travel for business purposes within the United States during that year. The large number of business trips indicates a robust level of economic activity, reflecting the importance of business travel in facilitating face-to-face interactions, negotiations, and business deals. Additionally, the statistic suggests a considerable reliance on business travel as a means of conducting business operations, networking, and driving economic growth within the country.

Conclusion

The tourism industry statistics paint a vivid picture of the significant impact that tourism has on the global economy, as well as its potential for growth and development in the future. By closely analyzing these statistics, businesses and policymakers can make informed decisions to harness the potential of the tourism industry for sustainable growth and prosperity.

References

0. – https://www.www.unwto.org

1. – https://www.www.worldanimalprotection.org

2. – https://www.www.ustravel.org

3. – https://www.www2.deloitte.com

4. – https://www.www.statista.com

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

6. – https://www.www.travelandleisure.com

7. – https://www.cruising.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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