Travel and tourism will create 4.5 million new jobs across the European Union by 2035

According to the world tourism body's latest Economic Impact Research, Travel & Tourism is expected to support an additional 4.5 million jobs by 2035, reaching more than 30 million, reinforcing its vital role in the EU's economic and social landscape.  

The sector will support one in seven jobs across the region, making it one of the most strategically important industries within the EU.

WTTC forecasts show that Travel & Tourism's contribution to GDP will increase to almost €2.3 trillion, with its economic share rising to just under 11% over the same period. The sector will continue to outperform broader economic growth with a 10-year CAGR of 1.8%, compared to 1.3% for the EU economy as a whole.

The sector will also contribute more than €900 billion annually to EU governments through tax revenues.

Spending by international visitors is expected to reach €730 billion over the next 10 years, while spending by domestic visitors is projected to exceed €1.2 trillion.

A look at 2025

By 2025, the travel and tourism sector across the EU is projected to contribute nearly €1.9 trillion to the bloc's GDP, representing 10.5% of the EU economy. Employment is expected to reach nearly €26 million, representing 12% of all EU jobs, a clear sign of the sector's growing impact.

International visitor spending is expected to reach €573 billion this year, with year-on-year growth of over 11%. Domestic spending is also projected to increase, reaching €1.1 trillion, with year-on-year growth of 1.6%.

During its first meeting with the world tourism body in Brussels today, the WTTC welcomed the appointment of Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas as European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, a historic moment for the European Union and the travel and tourism sector.

This specialized portfolio signals a renewed focus on a sector that supports the livelihoods of millions of people across the continent and plays a vital role in driving economic growth, inclusion, and innovation.

The WTTC also welcomed the Commissioner's announcement of a forthcoming Sustainable Tourism Strategy and looks forward to contributing to the development of this critical roadmap for the future of travel and tourism in the EU.

WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson said: "The EU travel and tourism sector continues to show resilience, driving jobs, innovation, and regional growth.  

"The next decade is an opportunity to build a more connected and sustainable world, strengthening the resilience of established tourism destinations and opening new ones across Europe.  

"Appointing a commissioner with a dedicated brief on tourism is a strong signal that the EU recognizes the sector's power to support communities and drive prosperity. We look forward to working with Commissioner Tzitzikostas to shape policies that reflect the scale and opportunity of the sector."

"To seize this moment, governments must support the sector with clear frameworks and investment, embracing destination stewardship to ensure growth benefits both people and the planet."

This year also marks a pivotal moment for the travel and tourism industry, as WTTC prepares to hold its Global Summit 2025 in Rome this September, bringing together global industry leaders to highlight innovation, investment, and resilience.  

The choice of Rome as the host of one of the world's most prestigious travel and tourism events reflects the EU's strategic importance to the sector's global agenda. The EU continues to lead the way in sustainability, connectivity, and collaboration. The EU's role is not only regional, but global.  

A look back at the past year

In 2024, the EU travel and tourism sector contributed almost €1.8 trillion to EU GDP, more than 10% of the economy. This exceeded 2019 levels by almost 6%. Employment grew by almost 5% year-on-year, surpassing 24.5 million, representing one in nine jobs in the region.

Spending by domestic visitors reached €1 trillion, while spending by international visitors increased to €515 billion.

This latest Economic Impact Assessment reaffirms the sector's long-term potential and its fundamental role in job creation, investment, and prosperity across the EU.

In collaboration with Oxford Economics, the WTTC produces annual reports on the economic and employment impact of the travel and tourism sector in 184 economies.

Each year, the WTTC also publishes its groundbreaking Social Environmental Assessment, which shows that emissions from the sector accounted for 12.7% of all EU emissions in 2023, underscoring the crucial need for continued sustainable innovation as the travel and tourism sector expands.  

Source: WTTC.