- Region:
- World
- Category:
- Tourism
WTTC and Hotelbeds uncover Global Tourism Trends
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, commented on the booming post-pandemic leisure travel, stating, "Travellers want to travel more sustainably. Travel & Tourism can grow and protect the planet. Let us come together to shape a sustainable future for travel and tourism."
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) partnered with Hotelbeds to bring sector leaders together in Palma, Mallorca, to delve into the ever-evolving dynamics of global Travel & Tourism. The gathering brought together industry leaders to explore the ever-changing dynamics of global Travel & Tourism.
The event provided a platform for attendees to gain valuable insights into the current state of Travel & Tourism through presentations and discussions led by Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, and Hotelbeds’ CEO Nicolas Huss. It highlighted the thriving tourism landscape, both globally and within the Balearic Islands. In 2022, global Travel & Tourism experienced an extraordinary growth rate of 22%, driven by the easing of pandemic restrictions and increased spending by foreign visitors.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, commented on the booming post-pandemic leisure travel, stating, "Travellers want to travel more sustainably. Travel & Tourism can grow and protect the planet. Let us come together to shape a sustainable future for travel and tourism."
The event recognized Spain as a global leader in tourism, with the sector significantly contributing to its economic landscape. By the end of 2023, it is projected to represent a remarkable 14.6% of Spain's GDP and provide employment to nearly three million Spaniards.
Nicolas Huss, Hotelbeds CEO, emphasized the sector's shift from corporate to leisure travel, with leisure travel currently accounting for 88% of travel spending in Spain.
Balearic Islands: An International Tourism Model
Hotelbeds' data showed an increase in travelers from the United Kingdom (+17%) and Germany (+29%) to the Balearic Islands this summer. Demand from countries like France and Portugal has also grown, along with long-haul markets outside Europe, such as the United States.
Palma's Rising Role in International Travel
According to WTTC's latest Cities Economic Impact Research, Palma saw an impressive 128% increase in Travel & Tourism's contribution to the city's GDP, surpassing €1.5 billion, or 6.3% of the local economy. The sector supported nearly 20,000 jobs in Palma, representing 6% of the local workforce.
Tourism Trends
Hotelbeds predicts three trends that will shape the traveler of the future: trips combining leisure and business, sustainable travel driven by environmental consciousness, and the rise of personalized travel experiences supported by technology and artificial intelligence.
The breakfast event facilitated thoughtful discussions about the future of Travel & Tourism, fostering an environment for local leaders to collaborate and drive growth in the industry.