WTTC Forecasts 2.5% Travel Growth in 2026 as Fuel Costs and Trade Shifts Reshape Global Tourism
In October, the World Travel & Tourism Council anticipated a 2.5% increase in global Travel & Tourism by 2026, which would add US$11.6 trillion to the worldwide GDP and create 366 million jobs by 2025. Europe is projected to experience the highest growth at 3.1% in 2026, an increase from 2.6% in 2025, with international visitor expenditures climbing by 5.8%. According to IATA's June 2026 forecast, global passenger traffic is expected to rise by 2.1%, influenced by rising fuel prices. On October 8, Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary cautioned that high jet-fuel prices may persist until 2028. The World Trade Organization adjusted its merchandise-trade growth prediction for 2026 to 3.9% but reduced the forecast for commercial-services growth to 3.3%. The report emphasizes the need for airlines and hotels to control costs while focusing on sustainability amidst uneven regional growth.
Key facts
- WTTC forecast 2.5% growth for global Travel & Tourism in 2026, outperforming the wider global economy
- The sector contributed US$11.6 trillion to global GDP in 2025 and supported 366 million jobs worldwide
- Europe's Travel & Tourism was forecast to grow 3.1% in 2026 versus 2.6% in 2025, with international visitor spending up 5.8%
- IATA's June 2026 outlook forecast global passenger traffic growth of 2.1% for the year
- Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary warned on October 8 that elevated jet-fuel costs could persist into 2028
- The WTO raised its 2026 merchandise-trade growth forecast to 3.9% but cut commercial-services trade growth to 3.3%
- Higher fuel costs, longer flight routings, schedule disruption, and selective capacity reductions were cited as consequences of the energy shock
- The report warns tourism growth can bring housing pressure, crowded public spaces, and rising prices for local residents
Entities
Artists
- Michael O'Leary
Institutions
- World Travel & Tourism Council
- WTTC
- International Air Transport Association
- IATA
- Reuters
- Ryanair
- World Trade Organization
- New York Art Life
Locations
- Europe