The economy of tourism
are a pressing concern. The WTTC warns that without decisive action, more than 43 million tourism roles could remain unfilled by 2035, risking a drag on expansion. “Travel and tourism is on course to support one in three new jobs worldwide by 2035,” the organisation says, underlining the need for skills and mobility policies that can keep pace with demand. Border modernisation is another opportunity, with a joint WTTC and SITA study revealing that digital visas, biometric processing and pre-clearance systems could add $401 billion to global GDP and create 14 million jobs by 2035 across the G20, EU and African Union. The report concludes: “Technology now allows us to achieve what was once thought impossible: stronger borders and smoother travel.” Cruise SMALL SHARE, BIG MULTIPLIER Cruise remains one of the fastest-growing segments in global travel and recovered more quickly from the pandemic than the general global tourism market. In its latest ‘state of the industry report’, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reveals that in 2024, the sector supported $168.6 billion in economic output and 1.6 million jobs, as passenger volumes climbed to 34.6 million. CLIA notes that “more than 75% of jobs supported by cruise activity are generated onshore”, highlighting its role in stimulating local economies. Cruise currently accounts for just 2.7% of global tourism GDP, suggesting strong potential for growth. Each port call supports transport, food services, retail and cultural attractions, enabling smaller coastal towns to capture visitor spend that might otherwise bypass them. An economic impact study by MedCruise and Cruise Europe found that more than 40% of destinations report higher revenues for local businesses thanks to cruise activity. In 2024, global passenger cruise spend reached $29 billion, according
Cruise remains one of the fastest-growing segments in global travel
Bled, Slovenia: one of 25 UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages 2025
to Tourism Economics. And it’s not only passengers who contribute: crew spending also delivers a meaningful boost. Cruise staff income totalled $9.2 billion in 2024, much of which goes toward essentials and leisure in port communities, further multiplying the value of each cruise call. Aviation THE BIG CONNECTOR Aviation underpins the global visitor economy. The Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) found that in 2023, civil aviation supported 86.5 million jobs and contributed $4.1 trillion to world GDP, or 3.9% of total output. The sector carries about a third of global trade by value and enables 58% of international tourist arrivals.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines were expected to handle more than five billion passengers and 40 million flights in 2025. Each additional million passengers generates around 1,000 direct on-airport jobs, while expanded air networks drive wider economic productivity by linking regional markets. A standout market where aviation is the lifeblood of economic growth in comparison to other industries is the UAE. A 2023 IATA study found the sector contributed $92 billion in economic output, or 18.2% of GDP, spanning wider supply chain, employee spending and tourism activities, and supporting 992,000 jobs. Dubai is the country’s aviation
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