The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announced its participation in the upcoming G20 tourism ministerial meeting, which will take place in Belém, Brazil. At this important event, challenges and opportunities facing the global tourism industry will be discussed, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson and Senior Vice President Virginia Messina will represent the Council in various dialogue sessions. These discussions will focus on the next steps to consolidate a more responsible tourism industry, capable of generating a positive impact on local communities and the environment.

During the meeting, Simpson emphasized the importance of joint efforts between the private sector and governments to strengthen the tourism sector's position in the global economy. “Together, businesses and governments must consolidate the positioning that the Travel & Tourism sector has achieved in the global economy. Joint work, with experience and innovation, will allow the sector to contribute $16 trillion by 2034, which is 11.4% of the global economy,” she stated.

Currently, the travel and tourism sector accounts for around 10% of global GDP and sustains one in 10 jobs worldwide. According to the WTTC, this figure could increase by over 100 million jobs in the next decade, demonstrating its ability to drive job creation and economic development.

Tourism is a fundamental pillar in the global economy and in job creation. Globally, it is estimated that it already employs nearly 350 million people, and by 2034, it is expected to contribute $194.6 billion to Brazil’s economy and provide employment to 9.44 million people.

The WTTC will use its participation in the G20 ministerial meeting to reinforce its commitment to collaboration between the private sector and governments. In this regard, the Council seeks to promote more environmentally responsible initiatives that drive economic and social development in countries and encourage greater inclusion, with a special emphasis on the participation of women and youth.

The event in Belém presents a key opportunity to outline future strategies that will enable the tourism sector to continue growing while addressing the challenges of sustainability and inclusion in an increasingly interconnected world.