Its central proposal is clear: by digitizing entry permits, incorporating biometrics, automating processes, and strengthening international cooperation on travel policies, countries can unlock added value for their visitor economies. Among the recommendations are six core principles: integrate a tourism lens into national border strategies; fully digitize travel permits; enhance international cooperation and traveler communications; and, on the technology front, maximize pre-arrival risk assessments, adopt verifiable digital identities, and build direct relationships with travelers through digital platforms.
Across regions such as the Caribbean and the Americas, it’s already evident that efficient border crossings have a direct impact on travel industry momentum, especially in destinations reliant on short-stay or cruise tourism. In these cases, every minute a traveler spends outside the control process is a minute they can invest in the local economy. Any destination that reduces wait times at airports, customs, and immigration automatically adds more hours in the day for visitors to spend, explore, and, therefore, contribute to national revenues.
Global dynamics also show cruise lines redirecting itineraries to ports with more agile entry systems, reaffirming the thesis that border efficiency has become a clear competitive advantage. For tourism stakeholders—airlines, travel agencies, and destinations—investing in border technology is not just about operational optimization; it’s about securing a stronger position in an increasingly demanding market.
It’s important to stress that smart borders do not mean compromising security. In fact, advanced digitalization enables stronger controls while improving the traveler experience, reducing wait times and hassle. The report emphasizes that modern checks can be simultaneously more secure, faster, and more user-friendly.
For policymakers across tourism, transport, migration, and security, the report reads as a practical roadmap: transform crossing points into true gateways that project a country’s identity, culture, and values alongside its economic stance. In this sense, borders become part of a destination’s branding—a front door that can make the difference between a strong first impression and a frustrating experience that drives travelers away.
In sum, the WTTC’s message is unequivocal: in the post-pandemic era, with travelers demanding speed, security, memorable experiences, and less friction, countries that fail to modernize their borders risk falling behind. Conversely, those that invest in innovation across crossings, visas, and travel data can reap a significant economic dividend and help create quality jobs. The projected US$401 billion and 14 million jobs are not just a technical estimate; they are a wake-up call: the border of tourism’s future must be as seamless as the technology that enables it.
