Over the next decade, the global tourism industry is projected to grow significantly faster than the average global economic growth rate, with its total scale exceeding $16 trillion by 2035. Concurrently, the tourism market is undergoing transformation driven by multiple factors: evolving consumer attitudes, shifting regional dynamics, and technological empowerment.
According to the World Tourism Report released yesterday (4th) by the World Travel Market (WTM), international tourist arrivals are projected to surpass 1.5 billion in 2025, setting a new historical record. Over the next decade, the global tourism industry will achieve a high annual growth rate of 3.5%, significantly outpacing the global economy's average growth of 2.5%. By 2035, the total scale of the tourism industry is projected to exceed $16 trillion, accounting for nearly 12% of global GDP and becoming a major engine of the world economy. Driven by shifts in consumer attitudes, evolving regional dynamics, and technological empowerment, the tourism market is undergoing transformation.
The report indicates that the core driver of tourism growth stems from shifts in consumer behavior. Modern travelers increasingly prioritize “paying for experiences,” with large-scale entertainment events fueling a surge in the performance economy across popular tourist cities. Meanwhile, social media not only sustains interest in traditional destinations but also encourages more travelers to opt for off-peak travel and lesser-known niche destinations. This trend enables them to pursue unique, personalized travel experiences while avoiding crowded tourist hotspots.
Asia-Pacific Drives Overall Tourism Market Growth Aviation, Cruise, and Accommodation Facilities Expand in Tandem
The global tourism landscape is also undergoing transformation. As a representative of emerging economies, the Asia-Pacific region continues to demonstrate robust vitality, driving the overall growth of the tourism market. Meanwhile, under the new trend of “summer retreat tourism” spurred by climate change, Nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland are projected to see a 9% increase in visitor numbers by 2025, outpacing traditional summer destinations. To meet growing travel demand, aviation, cruise, and accommodation facilities are expanding in tandem: Boeing and Airbus have accumulated orders for over 15,000 new aircraft. Global cruise capacity is projected to increase by 6% by 2025, while hotel bed capacity continues to grow, ensuring the industry's rapid development.
Technological innovation, particularly the application of artificial intelligence, is reshaping the tourism ecosystem. From personalized recommendations to streamlined security checks, digital technologies enhance the customization and efficiency of travel experiences. However, green sustainability remains a significant challenge for the industry. Limited consumer willingness to pay for eco-friendly tourism and the sector's substantial carbon emissions pressure underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions to drive environmental upgrades.
Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Congxiao
Editor Ⅱ: Bao Gang
Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong
