The economy of tourism
from rural agrotourism in Albania to trans-frontier nature tourism in southern Africa, showing how partnerships can deliver both economic and environmental gains. Regional case studies: tourism impact successes AFRICA – UGANDA World Bank analysis around Queen Elizabeth National Park found that every tourist dollar generates up to $2.03 in local income, with 20% of park entry fees and $10 from each gorilla permit channelled into community projects. The approach funds infrastructure, education and livelihoods, while sustaining biodiversity that underpins future tourism. AMERICAS – MEXICO WTTC ranks Mexico among the world’s top 10 travel and tourism economies, contributing $274.4 billion to GDP in 2024. Investment in airports, cruise terminals and hospitality is diversifying the sector. A growing network of secondary destinations, from colonial towns to coastal states, is capturing off-season and domestic demand, spreading benefits beyond the main resort zones. ASIA PACIFIC – INDIA India ranked ninth globally for total tourism GDP in 2024 at $249.3 billion, with steady expansion forecast. Its vast domestic market supports year-round cashflow, enabling investment in air and rail infrastructure that links second-tier cities and heritage circuits. Simplified visas and digital border systems are strengthening international arrivals, while local businesses capture more value through integrated supply chains. EUROPE – FRANCE & SPAIN Europe's tourism industry contributed nearly €1.9 trillion ($2.2 trillion) to the EU's GDP in 2025, representing about 10.5% of the economy and generating almost 26 millions jobs, according to the European Travel Commission (ETC). Key economic drivers include
2025 and March 2026, with growing interest in southern and rural destinations. “Off-season travel helps distribute economic benefits more evenly and reduces pressure on peak destinations,” said ETC President Miguel Sanz. The WEF called for a shift from volume to value, urging countries to view tourism as “a catalyst of resilience and inclusive prosperity”. That means investing in smaller cities, regional transport and community led tourism models that
share benefits across regions. Nature-based tourism CONSERVATION & LIVELIHOODS LINK The World Bank highlights
well-managed nature-based tourism as a “massive development opportunity”. In countries such as Uganda and Madagascar, each tourist dollar spent near protected areas has been shown to more than double local incomes, while also financing conservation and community projects. UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Villages 2025 recognised 52 rural communities worldwide for linking visitor spending with heritage preservation and environmental stewardship. The trend signals a long-term move towards travel that supports both people and nature. Germany’s role in global development Germany plays a central role in advancing tourism for development in transition economies through its Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The ministry funds more than 100 tourism-related projects, helping partner countries create jobs, strengthen local economies and reduce inequality. “Tourism offers great opportunities for emerging economies and developing countries,” BMZ stresses. “It creates jobs, strengthens the local economy, helps conserve the environment and can reduce poverty and inequality.” The initiatives BMZ supports range
“Travel and tourism is on course to support one in three new jobs worldwide by 2035”
20 | ITB GLOBAL TRAVEL COLLECTION
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