Latest news with #WTTC
Hospitality Net
15 hours ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Travel & Tourism in Egypt Reaches Historic Milestones
London, UK - The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed record-breaking data for Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector, with 2024 marking the highest-ever contribution to the national economy, and 2025 forecast to surpass that record once again. According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4TN to Egypt's GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy. Looking ahead, 2025 is projected to set a new all-time high with a forecast annual growth of 4.9% and increase in the sector's share to 8.6% of national GDP. This underlines the central role of Travel & Tourism in Egypt's continued economic development. Visitor Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Records 2024 also marked the strongest year on record for visitor spending. International visitor expenditure reached EGP 726.9BN, up 36.1% compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending rose to EGP 449.9BN, 31.8% above pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend is set to continue. In 2025, international visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2BN, and domestic spending is expected to reach EGP 460.6BN, maintaining the country's strong recovery and sustained demand across both international and local travel. Employment Growth Exceeds 2019 Levels In addition to record-breaking economic contribution and visitor spending, in 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, exceeding the 2019 peak. This growth is set to continue, with 2025 employment forecast to rise to 2.9 million, marking a 22.3% increase compared to 2019. Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country's growth. With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government's focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO A Decade of Growth WTTC forecasts a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector. By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute EGP 2.1TN to the national economy, accounting for 8.4% of GDP. Employment is projected to reach 3.8 million jobs, representing 10.5% of total employment, and highlighting the sector's critical role in job creation. Over the same period, international visitor spending is expected to rise to EGP 1.1TN, while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627BN, reflecting Egypt's potential to become one of the region's most vibrant and sustainable tourism economies. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. Editors Notes All figures given in EGP About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source
Hospitality Net
a day ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
France Set to Maintain Unmatched 2024 Growth in Travel & Tourism
London, UK - France's Travel & Tourism sector reached new historic heights in 2024 and is on track to exceed this exceptional performance throughout 2025, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics, confirms that in 2024, Travel & Tourism in France surpassed all previous records across economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending, solidifying the country's leadership as the world's most visited destination. The sector contributed €266.2BN to the French economy, 10.1% above 2019 levels and equivalent to 9.1% of the national GDP. Travel & Tourism also supported three million jobs, employing 300,000 more people than in 2019. International visitor spending reached €72.5BN, while domestic visitor spending climbed to €142.1BN, reflecting strong and balanced demand, seeing a hike of 7.1% and 5.7% on peak levels, respectively. 2025: Sustaining Record Momentum According to WTTC projections, 2025 is expected to continue this upward trajectory and improve on the previous year's historic peak across all analysed metrics. The sector is forecast to contribute €274.2BN to the GDP, increasing to 9.3% share of the economy, while employment is expected to reach 3.1 million jobs – nearly 1 in 10 people employed by Travel & Tourism in France. International visitor spending is projected to rise to €75.1BN, with domestic spend reaching €144.2BN. This enduring performance highlights France's strong tourism fundamentals, from world-class cultural and leisure assets to robust transport infrastructure and sustained government support. France continues to set the pace for Travel & Tourism worldwide. After a historic 2024, the sector is expected to maintain its growth into 2025 and beyond. The successful hosting of the Olympic and Paralympic Games showcased France on the global stage, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination with the capacity to deliver exceptional experiences at scale. France remains a beacon for travellers globally. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO Looking Ahead to 2035: A Decade of Opportunity WTTC forecasts that by 2035, Travel & Tourism in France could contribute €308.4BN to the national economy, equivalent to 9.4% of GDP, and support 3.5 million jobs — representing 11.2% of total employment. The sector is expected to remain a pillar of growth and opportunity, driven by evolving consumer trends, growing global demand, and investments in innovation and sustainability. A Glimpse into the European Union In 2024, the EU Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost €1.8TN to the region's GDP, representing more than 10% of the Bloc's economy, and above 2019 levels by almost 6%. The sector's employment grew by 4.7%, year-on-year, to 24.6 million jobs, accounting for one in nine jobs across the region. By 2025, WTTC forecasts that the EU Travel & Tourism sector will reach almost €1.9TN, representing 10.5% of the EU economy. Employment linked to the sector is estimated to total 25.7 million people, or 12% of the regional total. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
IRSA: China as the Global Tourism Industry's "New Engine": A Comprehensive Leap from Policy Innovation to Market Vitality
New York, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to the latest report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), China is accelerating toward the ranks of global tourism industry "leaders" through its open approach and innovative practices. In 2025, China's domestic tourism market is projected to exceed RMB 13.7 trillion yuan, injecting robust momentum into the global economy while creating over 83 million jobs. Behind this achievement lies the multi-faceted driving force of China's policy dividends, industrial integration, and consumption upgrading, showcasing China's advantages in openness and inclusiveness, traditional culture, technological advancement, and secure environment. These strengths are attracting international visitors in droves, establishing China as the global tourism industry's "new engine."China continues to open its doors to countries worldwide through the combined policy approach of "visa-free travel + tax refunds." As of June 2025, China has implemented unilateral visa-free policies for 47 countries and extended visa-free transit stays to 240 hours, with 60 additional ports of entry covering 24 provinces. This initiative has significantly enhanced travel convenience for foreign visitors. Data shows that China received 26.94 million international tourists in 2024, representing a 96% year-on-year increase; in the first quarter of 2025, inbound arrivals reached 9.215 million, up 40.2% year-on-year. Meanwhile, the new "Buy & Tax Refund" departure tax refund policy has yielded remarkable results. In the first month of implementation from April to May 2025, nationwide tax refund transactions increased 116% year-on-year, with sales surging 56%; the pilot "Buy & Tax Refund" program processed 32 times more transactions compared to the same period last year, with cities like Beijing and Shanghai becoming popular consumption destinations for international tourists. Malaysia's Newshubasia commented that these measures not only stimulate inbound consumption but also highlight China's strategic transformation from a "manufacturing powerhouse" to a "service leader." China leverages technology to empower cultural IP development, creating new "tourism+" business models. Cases such as Forbidden City cultural products and the Long March Digital Art Museum utilize VR and holographic projection technologies to breathe new life into millennia-old culture, attracting younger tourist demographics. In 2024, Shanxi Province's Xishan County saw tourist numbers surge over 300% year-on-year due to the popularity of the video game Black Myth: Wukong, demonstrating the market potential of the "cultural IP + tourism" model. In rural revitalization, China's Xitou Village in Zhejiang Province was selected as one of the "List of Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO" for its celadon pottery craftsmanship, becoming a benchmark for cultural-tourism integration. In 2024, key national rural tourism villages and towns received over 1 billion visitors, driving local economic income growth of 25%. Additionally, China's digital innovations such as Mount Huangshan's "Travel First, Pay Later" program and Shenzhen's integrated cultural-technology system have further enhanced visitor experiences. China's Yangtze River Delta integration provides a "Chinese model" of regional tourism collaboration for the world. Leveraging the "30-minute commuting circle" and "3-hour high-speed rail circle," initiatives such as joint World Heritage application for ancient Jiangnan water towns and "All-in-one card" for cultural tourism promote regional resource sharing. During the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival holiday, short-distance trips within the Yangtze River Delta region accounted for 64% of travel, with family bookings representing 25%, highlighting the maturity of the "micro-vacation" ecosystem. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area unlock potential in lower-tier markets through coordinated "weekend micro-vacations." Hebei's brand campaign "Spend Your Weekends in Beautiful Hebei" attracted visitors from Beijing and Tianjin who comprised 18.2% of tourists during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday. Meanwhile, destinations like Zhangjiajie, favored by Korean tourists, saw county-level tourism revenue increase 40% year-on-year. China's appeal to global young demographics has significantly strengthened. In 2025, post-2000 generation inbound tourists accounted for over 15% of arrivals, with booking volumes up 90% compared to 2019 and spending quadrupling. Cruise tourism experienced explosive growth in the first quarter, with the "cruise + culture" model emerging as a new gateway. On international social media, China's image as "safe, modern, and culturally rich" has taken deep root. Cities like Shanghai and Chengdu have become popular check-in destinations for foreign tourists due to their blend of tradition and modernity. American influencer "IShowSpeed" showcased China's digitized lifestyle through live streaming, with his YouTube channel surpassing 10 million views, creating a "natural narrative" communication effect. In 2024, nearly 90% of tourism companies planned to increase investments, with cross-sector expansions by platforms like Alibaba's Fliggy and Sunac Cultural Tourism City driving digital and intelligent industry upgrades. The National Bureau of Statistics noted that China's investment potential is enormous, with emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence and high-end equipment injecting new momentum into the tourism industry. China's tourism industry rise is not coincidental but rather the result of consumption upgrading, policy innovation, technological empowerment, cultural appeal, secure environment, and global cooperation working in concert. As UN World Tourism Organization Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated: "China is leading the global tourism industry's digital transformation and sustainable development."From "light tourism" to "micro-vacations," from rural revitalization to international reputation, China is constructing a new global tourism paradigm through diverse pathways, contributing "Chinese solutions" and "Chinese wisdom" to the prosperity of the world's tourism story first appeared in IRSA (International Relations Study Association). CONTACT: Joe Concord Joeconcord@ in to access your portfolio
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
GCC Tourist Visa Approved, to Be Rolled Out 'soon',
The GCC single tourist visa has been approved and will be rolled out soon, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE's Minister of Economy. 'The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and waiting now to be implemented, hopefully, soon. Now, it is with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant stakeholders and they should look into it,' Al Marri told Khaleej Times in an interview on the sidelines of the UAE Hospitality Summer Camp press conference on Monday. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been discussing rolling out a unified tourist visa or GCC Grand Tours Visa for the region, similar to the Schengen tourist visa, over the past few years. This visa will allow foreign tourists to visit all six member states – the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait – on a single visa. Industry executives believe that the unified visa will be a game-changer for the regional tourism industry and overall economies, creating jobs along with a big boost to GDP. They believe that the much-awaited unified GCC tourist visa will boost 'bleisure' (business-leisure) travel in the region, as visitors will increasingly mix the two to extend their trips to explore the neighbouring countries. According to data released by the Statistical Centre for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Countries of the Gulf, the region welcomed 68.1 million visitors in 2023 and generated a record $110.4 billion in tourism revenue, a remarkable 42.8 per cent increase in tourist arrivals compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The travel and tourism sector's contribution to the UAE economy continues to grow, taking the total employment numbers to 833,000 last year, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). It is estimated that the number of jobs in the UAE's travel and tourism sector will touch one million by 2030, surpassing WTTC's estimates of 928,000 by 2034, with one in 9 residents working in the sector. Dubai, a regional tourism hub, welcomed 7.15 million tourists in the first four months of 2025, representing a 7 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Also read: Riyadh Air buys 25 Airbus A250-1000 jets at Paris Airshow
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Middle East's Schengen style GCC tourist visa approved, to be rolled out 'soon'
The long-awaited unified tourist visa for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has received formal approval and is expected to be introduced soon, according to UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The visa aims to streamline tourism across the six GCC member nations — the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait — and is being viewed as a significant step toward regional travel integration. Speaking at a press briefing during the UAE Hospitality Summer Camp on Monday, June 16, 2025, Al Marri confirmed the progress: 'The single (GCC) tourist visa has been approved and waiting now to be implemented, hopefully, soon. Now, it is with the Ministry of Interior and the relevant stakeholders and they should look into it.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Jersey: Gov Will Cover Your Cost To Install Solar If You Live In These Zips SunValue Learn More Undo ALSO READ: Gulf countries announce plans for a Schengen-like unified tourist visa (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Dubbed the "GCC Grand Tours Visa" in some circles, the initiative is modeled on the Schengen visa system used in Europe. It will allow travelers to visit all six Gulf countries under a single visa, removing the current requirement of applying separately for each destination, despite existing air and road connectivity. Live Events The approval of the GCC unified tourist visa has been met with strong support from leaders in the travel and hospitality sectors, who see it as a turning point for regional tourism and economic activity. Industry professionals expect the visa to ease cross-border travel across the six Gulf nations, making the region more attractive and accessible to international tourists. One notable trend expected to grow is "bleisure" travel — a combination of business and leisure — as visitors are likely to extend their work-related trips to explore neighbouring countries. This could translate into longer stays and a broader spread of tourism-related spending across the region. Beyond tourism, the unified visa is projected to spur wider economic benefits. Stakeholders believe that simplified travel will drive job creation, boost investment in hospitality and infrastructure, and support a more collaborative approach to positioning the GCC as an integrated travel destination. Tourism Momentum: GCC Set for Accelerated Growth The visa initiative follows a period of strong recovery in the Gulf's travel sector. Data from the GCC's Statistical Centre shows: 68.1 million visitors in 2023 $110.4 billion in tourism revenue A 42.8% rise in arrivals compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels In the UAE, the sector continues to contribute significantly to the economy. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC): The industry supported 833,000 jobs in 2024 Employment is forecast to reach 1 million by 2030 The earlier WTTC projection for 2034 was 928,000 jobs By 2030, one in nine UAE residents could be employed in tourism Dubai's Lead Role in Regional Travel Dubai remains a key driver of Gulf tourism. According to the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the city recorded: 7.15 million visitors between January and April 2025 A 7% year-on-year growth compared to the same period in 2024 With the upcoming rollout of the unified visa, other destinations in the GCC are expected to benefit from Dubai's tourist inflow, encouraging longer and more diverse travel itineraries across the region. (With TOI inputs)
