The research also points to a highly significant long-term trajectory. Over the next decade, tourism is expected to generate nearly 89 million new jobs worldwide and account for approximately one-third of all new jobs created across the global economy. During that period, travel and tourism GDP is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 3.6%, meaning it will expand 1.5 times faster than the broader global economy.
WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara presented these findings, highlighting the sector’s resilience and its capacity to drive investment, employment and development in an international economic environment that remains marked by uncertainty. The organisation stressed that sustaining this growth will depend on investment in smart infrastructure, digital innovation, sustainable destination management, workforce training and cross-border connectivity.
One of the most significant findings in the report is the record level reached by international visitor spending. In 2025, global spending by international tourists reached US$2.02 trillion, up 3.2% from the previous year and surpassing pre-pandemic levels for the first time. The figure confirms not only the recovery of demand, but also the continued rise of high-value tourism.
Within this global context, Spain stands out as one of the leading international performers. The country generated €115.1 billion, equivalent to US$130.1 billion, in international visitor spending in 2025. With this result, Spain ranked as Europe’s top destination for international tourism spending and the third-largest worldwide, behind only the United States and China.
Spain’s position is particularly significant because it combines both scale and value. With 96.8 million international arrivals projected for 2025, Spain ranked as Europe’s second-most visited country after France. However, average visitor spending reached US$1,344 per traveller, compared with the European average of US$1,068, reinforcing the country’s leadership as a high-value tourism destination.
WTTC expects this trend to continue in 2026, when international visitor spending in Spain is forecast to rise to €121.1 billion, equivalent to US$136.9 billion, representing annual growth of 5.3%. According to the organisation, these results reflect sustained support for the sector, strong public-private collaboration and long-term investment in connectivity, transport and tourism-related infrastructure.
Europe also maintains a strong position within the global outlook. While regional GDP is forecast to grow by only 1% in 2026, Europe’s tourism sector is expected to expand by 3.6%, nearly four times faster. International visitor spending across Europe is projected to increase by 7.1%, well above the global average of 3.7%, driven by travellers favouring closer destinations amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.
The report concludes that destinations capable of reducing travel friction, improving visa systems, incorporating digital identity and biometric technologies, and strengthening regional cooperation will be best positioned to capture future international demand. Spain is identified as one of those destinations, combining competitiveness, profitability and the capacity to continue leading Europe’s high-value tourism market.
