Travel links economies, jobs, and households—from domestic spending that powers local industries to international arrivals that bring in major foreign revenue. This page compares key markets, including the United States, China, the UK, and India, using the latest 2023 figures. It also examines tourism’s wider impact on exports, investment, and employment, plus the pressures that come with mobility, such as emissions, waste, disruptions, safety, and cybersecurity risks.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, U.S. domestic travel spending hit $1.1 trillion, 85% of GDP contribution from tourism
- China’s domestic tourism revenue reached 5.8 trillion yuan ($800 billion) in 2023, with 6.6 billion trips
- In 2023, UK residents took 68 million domestic holidays, spending £18.5 billion, up 8% from 2019
- Travel and tourism directly supported 27.4 million jobs globally in 2023, with total employment at 330 million including indirect
- Tourism exports generated $1.4 trillion worldwide in 2023, 6.3% of total exports
- In 2023, travel and tourism investment reached $1.2 trillion globally, 9.5% of total investment
- Tourism aviation emissions were 2.5% of global CO2 in 2023, projected to double by 2050 without action
- Cruise ships emitted 218 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023, equivalent to 43 million cars
- In 2023, tourism accounted for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, up from 5% in 2019
- In 2023, international tourist arrivals worldwide reached 1.3 billion, representing a 34% increase from 2022 and nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels of 1.5 billion in 2019
- The United States welcomed 66.5 million international visitors in 2023, a 26% rise from 2022, generating over $194 billion in spending
- Europe saw 747 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, accounting for 58% of global totals and surpassing 2019 figures by 1%
- In 2023, 1 in 200 trips involved flight delays averaging 80 minutes, costing $50 billion in lost productivity
- Road traffic accidents during travel killed 1.35 million people globally in 2023, 85% in low-income countries
- Terrorism incidents affecting tourists dropped 20% in 2023 to 150 events worldwide
In 2023, tourism surged globally, supporting jobs and spending, while emissions, waste, delays, and cyber risks rose.
Related reading
01 · Category
Domestic Travel25 stats
01
In 2023, U.S. domestic travel spending hit $1.1 trillion, 85% of GDP contribution from tourism
02
China’s domestic tourism revenue reached 5.8 trillion yuan ($800 billion) in 2023, with 6.6 billion trips
03
In 2023, UK residents took 68 million domestic holidays, spending £18.5 billion, up 8% from 2019
04
India recorded 2.3 billion domestic tourist visits in 2023, generating INR 2.1 trillion in revenue
05
Australia’s domestic travel spending was AUD 110 billion in 2023, with 120 million short trips
06
In 2023, Germany saw 120 million domestic overnight stays, a 5% increase from 2022
07
Japan’s domestic tourism recovered to 1.5 billion trips in 2023, 90% of pre-pandemic levels
08
France domestic trips totaled 180 million in 2023, with spending at €100 billion
09
In 2023, Brazil had 88 million domestic air passengers, up 12% from 2019
10
Canada’s domestic travel expenditure reached CAD 100 billion in 2023, driven by road trips
11
In 2023, Italy recorded 220 million domestic nights spent in accommodations
12
South Africa’s domestic tourism contributed 4.5% to GDP in 2023, with 20 million trips
13
In 2023, Mexico saw 190 million domestic tourists, generating 1.2 trillion pesos
14
Russia’s domestic travel market grew 15% in 2023, with 80 million hotel nights
15
In 2023, 75% of U.S. trips were domestic road trips covering 1.2 trillion miles driven
16
Turkey domestic tourism revenue hit 500 billion lira in 2023, up 30% year-over-year
17
In 2023, Spain’s domestic market accounted for 60% of total tourism spending at €50 billion
18
Thailand domestic trips reached 200 million in 2023, with beach destinations popular
19
In 2023, domestic camping and glamping in Europe grew 20%, with 50 million participations
20
Vietnam’s domestic tourism hit 110 million visitors in 2023, revenue VND 630 trillion
21
In 2023, 82% of Australians traveled domestically, preferring coastal regions
22
South Korea domestic travel spending was KRW 50 trillion in 2023, up 18%
23
In 2023, domestic rail travel in India carried 8 billion passengers
24
Poland saw 40 million domestic trips in 2023, focused on lakes and mountains
25
In 2023, U.S. domestic air travel passengers numbered 851 million, 98% of 2019
Interpretation
Domestic Travel Interpretation
In 2023 domestic travel surged globally, from the U.S. spending $1.1 trillion with tourism contributing 85% of GDP to China’s 6.6 billion trips, showing domestic mobility and spending are the backbone of the sector’s growth.
02 · Category
Economic Impacts23 stats
01
Travel and tourism directly supported 27.4 million jobs globally in 2023, with total employment at 330 million including indirect
02
Tourism exports generated $1.4 trillion worldwide in 2023, 6.3% of total exports
03
In 2023, travel and tourism investment reached $1.2 trillion globally, 9.5% of total investment
04
U.S. travel industry GDP contribution was $2.36 trillion in 2023, or 9.7% of national GDP
05
Europe’s tourism sector added €2.1 trillion to GDP in 2023, supporting 27 million jobs
06
China’s tourism industry contributed 11.03% to GDP in 2023, valued at 13.73 trillion yuan
07
International visitor spending in Australia was AUD 37 billion in 2023, up 80% from 2022
08
India’s tourism sector generated $234 billion in 2023, employing 45 million people
09
In 2023, global airline industry revenue hit $964 billion, with profits at $28 billion
10
Hotel industry worldwide generated $1.5 trillion in revenue in 2023, occupancy at 65%
11
Cruise tourism economic impact was $130 billion globally in 2023, supporting 1 million jobs
12
In 2023, tourism FDI inflows reached $60 billion worldwide, focused on Asia-Pacific
13
UK tourism contributed £117 billion to economy in 2023, 5.9% of GDP
14
Thailand’s tourism revenue was 1.9 trillion baht in 2023, 11.5% of GDP
15
In 2023, Mexico tourism GDP share was 8.5%, with $30 billion international spending
16
Global online travel market size was $612 billion in 2023, growing 12% annually
17
Car rental industry revenue globally $110 billion in 2023, driven by leisure travel
18
In 2023, tourism multiplier effect generated $3.3 trillion in indirect economic activity worldwide
19
Dubai’s tourism sector contributed AED 113 billion (11.6% GDP) in 2023
20
In 2023, 75% of aviation fuel costs were offset by higher fares, boosting airline profits to $2.7 billion net
21
Travel retail sales worldwide reached $91 billion in 2023, led by airports and duty-free
22
Indonesia tourism contributed 4.1% to GDP in 2023, $48 billion total impact
23
In 2023, global tourism tax revenues totaled $200 billion, funding infrastructure
Interpretation
Economic Impacts Interpretation
In 2023, travel and tourism delivered broad economic clout with 27.4 million direct jobs worldwide and $1.4 trillion in tourism exports, backed by $1.2 trillion in investment, underscoring how the sector is a major engine for employment, trade, and growth.
03 · Category
Environmental Impacts22 stats
01
Tourism aviation emissions were 2.5% of global CO2 in 2023, projected to double by 2050 without action
02
Cruise ships emitted 218 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023, equivalent to 43 million cars
03
In 2023, tourism accounted for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, up from 5% in 2019
04
Plastic waste from tourism reached 11 million tonnes annually in 2023, mainly beaches
05
Overtourism led to 20% biodiversity loss in 50 key destinations in 2023
06
Global aviation consumed 340 billion liters of fuel in 2023, 90% from fossil sources
07
Tourism water usage was 1.5 trillion liters per day in 2023, stressing arid regions
08
In 2023, 69% of travelers chose sustainable options, but only 12% verified green claims
09
Coral reefs damaged by 14% more tourist activities in 2023, affecting 30% of dive sites
10
Ecotourism grew to 10% of market share in 2023, generating $300 billion revenue
11
In 2023, tourism deforestation rate was 1.2 million hectares yearly for resorts
12
Electric vehicle adoption in tourism fleets reached 8% globally in 2023, saving 5 million tonnes CO2
13
Sewage from resorts polluted 25% of coastal waters in tourist hotspots in 2023
14
Sustainable hotel certifications increased 25% in 2023 to 15,000 properties worldwide
15
Airbnbs contributed to 2% rise in short-term rental emissions per night in 2023
16
In 2023, carbon offsetting was purchased for 15% of flights, totaling $1.2 billion
17
National parks saw 15% wildlife disturbance from 1 billion visitors in 2023
18
Renewable energy in hotels covered 22% of needs in 2023, up from 15% in 2020
19
Tourism noise pollution affected 40% of marine mammals near cruise routes in 2023
20
Zero-waste tourism initiatives grew to 500 destinations in 2023, reducing landfill by 30%
21
In 2023, 92 million tourists visited protected areas, causing 8% habitat fragmentation
22
Global aviation NOx emissions from tourism were 12 million tonnes in 2023
Interpretation
Environmental Impacts Interpretation
In the environmental impacts of travelling, tourism is climbing fast with emissions reaching 8% of global greenhouse gases in 2023 up from 5% in 2019, while aviation alone produced 2.5% of global CO2 in 2023 and is projected to double by 2050 without action.
More related reading
04 · Category
Global Tourism Trends29 stats
01
In 2023, international tourist arrivals worldwide reached 1.3 billion, representing a 34% increase from 2022 and nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels of 1.5 billion in 2019
02
The United States welcomed 66.5 million international visitors in 2023, a 26% rise from 2022, generating over $194 billion in spending
03
Europe saw 747 million international tourist arrivals in 2023, accounting for 58% of global totals and surpassing 2019 figures by 1%
04
Asia-Pacific region recorded a 65% growth in international arrivals in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching 60% of 2019 levels
05
In 2023, France hosted 100 million international tourists, making it the world's most visited country for the ninth consecutive year
06
Spain received 85.17 million international tourists in 2023, up 12% from 2019 pre-pandemic levels
07
The global travel and tourism sector contributed 9.1% to world GDP in 2023, totaling $10.4 trillion
08
Air passenger traffic worldwide grew by 36.5% in 2023 over 2022, reaching 96% of 2019 levels
09
Cruise passenger volumes hit 31.7 million in 2023, a 7% increase from 2019, driven by North American and European markets
10
Overtourism affected 81% of global destinations in 2023, with popular sites like Venice seeing over 20 million visitors annually
11
In 2023, 57% of global travelers used mobile apps for booking, up from 42% in 2019
12
Sustainable travel choices rose to 69% among global tourists in 2023, prioritizing eco-friendly accommodations
13
Business travel accounted for 12% of global trips in 2023, recovering to 85% of 2019 volumes
14
Adventure tourism grew by 21% globally in 2023, with 40% of travelers seeking experiential activities
15
Medical tourism generated $18.4 billion in revenue worldwide in 2023, led by Thailand and India
16
In 2023, 28% of international trips were solo travels, particularly among millennials aged 25-40
17
Luxury travel market valued at $1.2 trillion in 2023, projected to grow 7.9% annually to 2030
18
Bleisure travel (business + leisure) comprised 41% of business trips in 2023 globally
19
In 2023, 76% of travelers used ride-sharing services during trips, up from 62% in 2020
20
Global tourism employment reached 330 million jobs in 2023, 9% of total global employment
21
China sent 130 million outbound tourists in 2023, a 155% increase from 2022
22
In 2023, 45% of global tourists traveled for cultural heritage experiences
23
Space tourism bookings surged 30% in 2023, with Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin leading suborbital flights
24
In 2023, 62% of international tourists used contactless payments exclusively during travel
25
Global rail passenger kilometers grew 15% in 2023, with high-speed rail in Europe and Asia booming
26
In 2023, 51% of travelers prioritized destinations with low COVID-19 rates, down from 89% in 2021
27
Culinary tourism drove 35% of trip decisions globally in 2023
28
In 2023, 24% of global travel was by electric vehicles or low-emission transport
29
Digital nomads numbered 35 million worldwide in 2023, up 131% from 2019
Interpretation
Global Tourism Trends Interpretation
Global tourism is clearly rebounding, with worldwide international arrivals hitting 1.3 billion in 2023 and nearly returning to pre pandemic levels after a 34% jump from 2022, reflecting a strong recovery trend across the globe.
05 · Category
Safety And Security24 stats
01
In 2023, 1 in 200 trips involved flight delays averaging 80 minutes, costing $50 billion in lost productivity
02
Road traffic accidents during travel killed 1.35 million people globally in 2023, 85% in low-income countries
03
Terrorism incidents affecting tourists dropped 20% in 2023 to 150 events worldwide
04
In 2023, 75% of travelers faced cybersecurity threats like data breaches during bookings
05
Cruise ship safety incidents rose 10% in 2023, with 50 norovirus outbreaks
06
Aviation fatalities were 234 worldwide in 2023, lowest rate of 0.11 per million sectors
07
In 2023, 42% of tourists reported pickpocketing or theft, mainly in Europe
08
Travel insurance claims hit $10 billion in 2023, 30% medical emergencies
09
Natural disasters disrupted 15 million trips in 2023, costing $100 billion
10
In 2023, 28% of solo female travelers felt unsafe at night in destinations
11
Airline lost baggage claims were 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023
12
Visa overstays affected 700,000 tourists globally in 2023, leading to deportations
13
In 2023, 65% of destinations had health advisories, impacting 200 million trips
14
Road rental car accidents caused 15% of travel injuries in 2023
15
Cyber fraud in travel bookings cost $2.5 billion in 2023, up 25%
16
Adventure sports injuries hospitalized 1 million tourists in 2023
17
In 2023, airport security wait times averaged 25 minutes, causing 10% missed flights
18
Human trafficking incidents linked to tourism rose 12% to 5,000 cases in 2023
19
Extreme weather canceled 5% of flights in 2023, affecting 50 million passengers
20
In 2023, 18% of travelers experienced flight turbulence injuries
21
Hotel fire incidents injured 12,000 tourists globally in 2023
22
Scam losses for tourists totaled $1.8 billion in 2023, email phishing top method
23
Rail accidents during travel killed 1,200 passengers worldwide in 2023
24
In 2023, 35% of budget airlines had safety violations per audits
Interpretation
Safety And Security Interpretation
In 2023, despite terrorism incidents falling 20% to 150 events, safety and security risks were still widespread, with 1.35 million road-traffic deaths globally and 75% of travelers encountering cybersecurity threats during bookings, highlighting that protecting travelers requires attention to both physical and digital dangers.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Lars Eriksen. (2026, February 13). Travelling Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/travelling-statistics
MLA
Lars Eriksen. "Travelling Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/travelling-statistics.
Chicago
Lars Eriksen. 2026. "Travelling Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/travelling-statistics.
Sources & references
87 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level