In 2023, the total contribution of travel and tourism to the global gross domestic product (GDP) was roughly four percent lower than in 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the contribution of travel and tourism to the global GDP amounted to 9.9 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. This figure was predicted to reach an estimated 11.1 trillion U.S. dollars in 2024, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Which countries record the highest travel and tourism contribution to GDP? GDP is the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a year. It is considered an important indicator of a country's economic strength, and a positive change in GDP is a sign of economic growth. Both before and after the impact of COVID-19, the United States and China were by far the leading travel markets based on the total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP, followed by Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan. What are the most visited countries in the world? In 2023, the number of international tourist arrivals worldwide increased significantly over the previous year but did not catch up yet with pre-pandemic levels. That year, France was the country with the highest number of international tourist arrivals worldwide, welcoming 100 million international visitors. Spain and the United States followed in the ranking in 2023.

Travel amp Tourism is a truly global economic activity ndash one which takes place in destinations across the world, from leading capital cities and smaller towns and villages in rural and coastal areas, to some of the remotest points on the planet It is one of the world rsquo s largest industries, or economic sectors, contributing trillions of dollars annually to the global economy, creating jobs and wealth, generating exports, boosting taxes and stimulating capital investment

United States US: International Tourism: Number of Departures data was reported at 73,453,000.000 Person in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 68,176,000.000 Person for 2014. United States US: International Tourism: Number of Departures data is updated yearly, averaging 61,061,000.000 Person from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2015, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 73,453,000.000 Person in 2015 and a record low of 51,285,000.000 Person in 1995. United States US: International Tourism: Number of Departures data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International outbound tourists are the number of departures that people make from their country of usual residence to any other country for any purpose other than a remunerated activity in the country visited. The data on outbound tourists refer to the number of departures, not to the number of people traveling. Thus a person who makes several trips from a country during a given period is counted each time as a new departure.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

The forecast for the direct contribution of travel and tourism to global GDP in 2029 is a little under 5,563 trillion U.S. dollars. In contrast, the total contribution to GDP worldwide is predicted to reach 18,031 billion U.S. dollars in 2029.

Iran IR: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data was reported at 3.868 USD bn in 2015. This records an increase from the previous number of 3.841 USD bn for 2014. Iran IR: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data is updated yearly, averaging 1.216 USD bn from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2015, with 21 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 3.868 USD bn in 2015 and a record low of 16.000 USD mn in 1997. Iran IR: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Iran – Table IR.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism receipts for travel items are expenditures by international inbound visitors in the reporting economy. The goods and services are purchased by, or on behalf of, the traveler or provided, without a quid pro quo, for the traveler to use or give away. These receipts should include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except in cases where these are so important as to justify a separate classification. Excluded is the international carriage of travelers, which is covered in passenger travel items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

Global travel and tourism spending grew by roughly 21.5 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year, but remained below pre-pandemic levels. Overall, the total travel and tourism expenditure worldwide amounted to 6.45 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. That year, leisure trips accounted for around 80 percent of global travel and tourism spending.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Outbound Tourism market size will be USD 17518.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.50% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 7007.28 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 5255.46 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 4029.19 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 875.91 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 350.36 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2% from 2024 to 2031.
The Business is the fastest growing segment of the Outbound Tourism industry

Market Dynamics of Outbound Tourism Market

Key Drivers for Outbound Tourism Market

Increasing Economic Growth to Boost Market Growth

As nations experience monetary increases, growing disposable earnings offer individuals and families extra financial flexibility. This increase in wealth permits more people to interact in international travel, as they are able to come up with the money for flights, accommodations, and activities overseas. Enhanced financial conditions regularly lead to advanced infrastructure, better connectivity, and a much wider variety of journey alternatives, in addition to encouraging tourism. Additionally, as extra residents tour internationally, cultural trade will increase, fostering worldwide expertise and cooperation. Ultimately, the economic boom no longer best boosts journey opportunities; however additionally enriches tour enjoyment, making it more handy to a broader segment of the population.

Technological Advancements to Drive Market Growth

Technological advancements, mainly the upward push of the internet, have transformed travel-making plans right into a more accessible and fee-effective process. Online systems allow travelers to effortlessly compare flight costs, discover various lodging options, and find out about sports at their locations, all from the comfort of their homes. Booking engines and tour apps provide immediate get entry to deals and actual-time availability, empowering users to make informed choices. Additionally, social media and overview websites permit tourists to proportion stories and pointers, in addition to improving the decision-making technique. Overall, the internet has democratized travel planning, making it simpler for anybody to explore the sector.

Restraint Factor for the Outbound Tourism Market

Economic Downturns, will Limit Market Growth

During economic downturns, outbound tourism regularly studies a sizable decline as individuals and families reduce discretionary spending to control tighter budgets. With rising unemployment quotes and uncertainty about their destiny, travel will become a luxury many pick to forgo. People might also opt for home holidays or staycations in place of worldwide trips main to a lower call for flights, resorts, and travel offerings. Additionally, agencies may scale back on corporate travel, further impacting the tourism industry. This discount in outbound tourism could have a cascading impact on economies reliant on travel, leading to job losses and reduced revenues in the zone.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Outbound Tourism Market

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the outbound tourism marketplace, leading to unparalleled declines in global journeys. Lockdowns, tour regulations, and fitness issues led to flight cancellations and resort closures, inflicting a sharp drop in calls. Many tourists postponed or canceled trips, even as others shifted to nearby or domestic tourism. The industry faced tremendous revenue losses, mainly due to layoffs and financial challenges for airways, lodges, and excursion operators. Recovery has been sluggish, with ongoing uncertainty affecting consumer confidence in travel. Introduction of the Outbound Tourism Market

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Spain ES: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data was reported at 60.605 USD bn in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 56.532 USD bn for 2015. Spain ES: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data is updated yearly, averaging 51.362 USD bn from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2016, with 22 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 65.099 USD bn in 2014 and a record low of 25.368 USD bn in 1995. Spain ES: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Spain – Table ES.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism receipts for travel items are expenditures by international inbound visitors in the reporting economy. The goods and services are purchased by, or on behalf of, the traveler or provided, without a quid pro quo, for the traveler to use or give away. These receipts should include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except in cases where these are so important as to justify a separate classification. Excluded is the international carriage of travelers, which is covered in passenger travel items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

The market size of the global tourism sector grew significantly in 2023 over the previous year, totaling around 1.9 trillion U.S. dollars. Despite the sharp annual increase, global tourism revenue remained below pre-pandemic levels. As forecast, the market size of the tourism sector worldwide was estimated at two trillion U.S. dollars in 2024. What is the economic impact of travel and tourism? In 2023, the total contribution of travel and tourism to global GDP, including the direct, indirect, and induced impact of these markets, was estimated at nearly 10 trillion U.S. dollars, almost recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, the number of travel and tourism jobs worldwide was just around one percent below pre-pandemic levels in 2023, with these industries generating, directly and indirectly, 330 million jobs. What are the most popular travel destinations worldwide? Both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, France topped the ranking of the most visited countries by inbound tourists worldwide. In 2023, the number of inbound tourist arrivals in France peaked at 100 million, the highest figure reported to date. That year, Spain, the United States, and Italy followed on the list. Meanwhile, the United States was the country with the highest international tourism receipts worldwide in 2023, ahead of Spain and the United Kingdom.

Explore the Wellness Tourism Market trends! Covers key players, growth rate 9.6% CAGR, market size $1411.62 Billion, and forecasts to 2034. Get insights now!

Haiti HT: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data was reported at 511.000 USD mn in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 609.000 USD mn for 2015. Haiti HT: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data is updated yearly, averaging 133.000 USD mn from Dec 1995 (Median) to 2016, with 22 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 609.000 USD mn in 2015 and a record low of 80.000 USD mn in 2005. Haiti HT: International Tourism: Receipts: for Travel Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Haiti – Table HT.World Bank: Tourism Statistics. International tourism receipts for travel items are expenditures by international inbound visitors in the reporting economy. The goods and services are purchased by, or on behalf of, the traveler or provided, without a quid pro quo, for the traveler to use or give away. These receipts should include any other prepayment made for goods or services received in the destination country. They also may include receipts from same-day visitors, except in cases where these are so important as to justify a separate classification. Excluded is the international carriage of travelers, which is covered in passenger travel items. Data are in current U.S. dollars.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

Luxembourg LU: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items data was reported at 53.000 USD mn in 2016. This records a decrease from the previous number of 54.000 USD mn for 2015. Luxembourg LU: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items data is updated yearly, averaging 76.000 USD mn from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2016, with 15 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 103.000 USD mn in 2008 and a record low of 21.000 USD mn in 2002. Luxembourg LU: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Luxembourg – Table LU.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism expenditures for passenger transport items are expenditures of international outbound visitors in other countries for all services provided during international transportation by nonresident carriers. Also included are passenger services performed within an economy by nonresident carriers. Excluded are passenger services provided to nonresidents by resident carriers within the resident economies; these are included in travel items. In addition to the services covered by passenger fares--including fares that are a part of package tours but excluding cruise fares, which are included in travel--passenger services include such items as charges for excess baggage, vehicles, or other personal accompanying effects and expenditures for food, drink, or other items for which passengers make expenditures while on board carriers. Data are in current U.S. dollars.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

In 2023, the United States recorded the highest score in the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI), with 5.24 points out of seven. That year, Spain and Japan followed behind, with a TTDI score of 5.18 and 5.09, respectively. The Travel & Tourism Development Index analyzes a range of factors and policies supporting the development of the travel and tourism sector in a sustainable and resilient way. It covers 119 countries and is made up of five sub-indexes, addressing a series of relevant topics for the sector, such as safety and security, prioritization of travel and tourism, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and more. The economic contribution of travel and tourism In 2023, the total contribution of travel and tourism to the global gross domestic product (GDP) was forecast to exceed nine trillion U.S. dollars, nearly catching up with the figure recorded in 2019, the year before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the number of travel and tourism jobs worldwide was expected to surpass 300 million in 2023, also remaining slightly below pre-pandemic levels. What is the number of international tourist arrivals worldwide? In 2023, the number of international tourist arrivals worldwide reached almost 1.3 billion. While this figure denoted a sharp annual increase, it did not catch up yet with the peak reported in 2019, when global inbound tourist arrivals totaled approximately 1.46 billion. Overall, both before and after the impact of the health crisis, Europe was the global region with the highest number of inbound tourist arrivals.

The United States was the global travel destination with the highest international tourism receipts in 2023. That year, inbound tourism receipts in the U.S. amounted to roughly 189 billion U.S. dollars. While this figure denoted a sharp annual increase, it remained below pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, Spain and the United Kingdom followed in the ranking in 2023, with around 92 billion and 73 billion U.S. dollars, respectively. What are the most visited countries in the world? While France ranked fourth based on international tourism receipts, it topped the list of the countries with the highest number of inbound tourist arrivals worldwide, both before and after the impact of the pandemic. In 2023, France recorded 100 million arrivals by international travelers, while Spain and the United States followed in the ranking with over 85 million and 66 million arrivals, respectively. What is the economic impact of travel and tourism worldwide? As estimated, the total contribution of travel and tourism to GDP worldwide amounted to just under 10 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023. This figure refers to the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of these industries. That year, the number of travel and tourism jobs worldwide exceeded 300 million.

Syria SY: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items data was reported at 76.000 USD mn in 2011. This records a decrease from the previous number of 88.000 USD mn for 2010. Syria SY: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items data is updated yearly, averaging 65.000 USD mn from Dec 2003 (Median) to 2011, with 9 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 111.000 USD mn in 2008 and a record low of 34.000 USD mn in 2005. Syria SY: International Tourism: Expenditures: for Passenger Transport Items data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Syrian Arab Republic – Table SY.World Bank.WDI: Tourism Statistics. International tourism expenditures for passenger transport items are expenditures of international outbound visitors in other countries for all services provided during international transportation by nonresident carriers. Also included are passenger services performed within an economy by nonresident carriers. Excluded are passenger services provided to nonresidents by resident carriers within the resident economies; these are included in travel items. In addition to the services covered by passenger fares--including fares that are a part of package tours but excluding cruise fares, which are included in travel--passenger services include such items as charges for excess baggage, vehicles, or other personal accompanying effects and expenditures for food, drink, or other items for which passengers make expenditures while on board carriers. Data are in current U.S. dollars.; ; World Tourism Organization, Yearbook of Tourism Statistics, Compendium of Tourism Statistics and data files.; Gap-filled total;

International tourism, number of arrivals in Ireland was reported at 10951000 in 2019, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. Ireland - International tourism, number of arrivals - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on March of 2025.

Contributing a staggering 1.3 trillion U.S. dollars to China’s GDP in 2023, the travel and tourism industry proved to be a vital industry for the East Asian country’s economy. This pivotal industry provided huge GDP contributions to a number of countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Japan and India both saw impressive figures, while Southeast Asia alone has experienced constant GDP increases from the travel and tourism industry. Why Asia-Pacific The travel and tourism industry has made significant monetary additions to many developing economies throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Southeast Asia stands in the foreground as one of the regions which relies heavily on its tourism success. A success which could be inferred through the rising number of tourist arrivals to the ASEAN states. A likely reason why APAC has become one of the leading regions for tourism, could be related to its competitive prices. Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region are cheaper than the usual Western tourist hotspots, in this way, the region has begun to appeal to an increasing number of international travelers. Domestic tourism The Asia-Pacific region has not only attracted international tourists throughout recent years but has also received a great influx of domestic tourists. Growing economies in the region, resulting in an emerging middle class, have made the possibility of increased domestic travel a reality. Intra-regional tourism accounted for approximately half of APAC’s tourism.

This statistic shows the number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from 1990 to 2019, by region of origin. In 2019, about 381.7 million international tourists originated from Asia and the Pacific region.

Global tourism - additional information International tourist arrivals increased gradually between 2009 and 2019 as a result of the growing ease of travel for many people around the world. In recent years, the number of tourists traveling the globe annually exceeded the one billion mark. In 2019, the region with the largest number of outbound travelers was Europe, with approximately 703 million travelers, while Asia Pacific was the second leading region. Figures were also similar in terms of international tourist arrivals to the two regions. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) forecast that the gap between the Asia Pacific region and Europe will shorten significantly by 2030.

Travel and tourism made a total contribution of roughly 9.26 trillion U.S. dollars to the global economy in 2019. The economic impact of tourism is clearly recognized by country leaders all over the world and it is particularly important to those of less developed economies. The fastest-emerging country in terms of tourism’s direct economic contribution in coming years is expected to be Namibia. The South-West African country’s tourism industry focuses on wildlife and ecotourism and is predicted to grow by 9.1 percent annually between 2014 and 2024.

At the other end of the scale, leading tourist destinations, such as France, Spain, and the United States attracted around 80 million visitors in 2019. In the case of cities, the MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index found that Bangkok was the most visited city worldwide in 2018, with 22.78 million international visitors.

In 2022, the tourism industry contributed around 7.24 percent to Thailand's GDP, which increased from the previous year. In that same period, the total value of Thailand's GDP was almost five hundred billion U.S. dollars. ​ Thailand's tourism industry has been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is currently recovering after the government relaxed COVID-19 regulations and promoted tourism. The economic contribution of travel and tourism in Thailand Thailand is recognized as one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. ​Travel and tourism play a significant role in supporting Thailand's economy. In 2022, these industries' contribution to the country’s GDP reached over one trillion Thai baht. Thailand's tourism industry also provided nearly seven million jobs in the country, ranking fifth in terms of the highest number of people employed in the tourism industry in the Asia-Pacific region in 2022. Inbound tourism in Thailand Thailand's economy relies heavily on international tourism. The tourist economy of the country has been recovering steadily since the country allowed international tourist arrivals again in 2022. In 2023, Thailand welcomed around 28 million international tourists, which was more than double the previous year. ​In that same year, the total revenue generated by international tourist arrivals in the country reached more than one hundred billion Thai baht on a nearly monthly basis, giving the country a total revenue of over one trillion Thai baht for the entire year.

Portugal experienced a recovery of over 30 percent in the total travel and tourism contribution to its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021, after a strong drop due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Prior to this crisis, this sector represented over 40 billion U.S. dollars of the Portuguese economy. By 2024, more than 58 billion U.S. dollars were forecasted as contribution to the country's GDP.

Tourism spending in Portugal

In 2022, Portugal's tourism services generated a sales revenue close to 33 billion euros, signalizing the start of the recovery for this sector. Furthermore, inbound tourism expenditures in the Iberian country for the same year reached 21 billion euros, representing a increase of 28.3 percent from the previous year. In 2021, despite an increase in expenditure and revenue, the contribution of visitor spending to the Portuguese exports of services remained at a similar level than in 2020.

How many travelers make their way to Portugal each year?

In 2022, Portugal witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of international overnight visitors, with the figure reaching nearly 47 million – only around 2.5 million less than in 2019. The recovery of the Portuguese tourism sector from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can also be seen in monthly development. While in 2020 and 2021, the usual influx of foreign guests in Portuguese accommodation establishments during the summer season was affected by the global health crisis, the country saw a return to normality in 2022 with August reaching the annual peak of 1.96 million travelers.