How Big Is the Hospitality and Tourism Industry?

By Robert Palmer

The hospitality and tourism industry is a vast and ever-growing sector that has a significant impact on the global economy. This industry encompasses a broad range of businesses, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, transportation services, and travel agencies. In this article, we’ll explore just how big the hospitality and tourism industry really is.

The Size of the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry is a massive sector that provides employment opportunities for millions of people worldwide. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the global hospitality industry generated $8.8 trillion in 2019, which represents 10.4% of the world’s GDP. This figure includes both direct and indirect contributions to the economy.

Direct vs Indirect Contributions

Direct contributions refer to the money spent directly by tourists and business travelers on goods and services such as accommodation, food and beverage services, transportation, and entertainment. Indirect contributions are less visible but equally important. They refer to the money spent by businesses in the hospitality industry on supplies, equipment, maintenance services, marketing activities, and other support services.

The Travel and Tourism Industry

The travel and tourism industry is closely related to the hospitality sector. It includes businesses that provide travel-related services such as airlines, cruise lines, tour operators, car rental companies, travel agents, and other transportation services.

According to WTTC’s research report published in 2021- “Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2021”, The Travel & Tourism Industry contributed $7.2 trillion (USD) to Global GDP in 2019 i.e., 9.0% of Global GDP.

Employment in Hospitality & Tourism Industry

The hospitality industry is one of the largest employers globally with over 300 million jobs worldwide according to WTTC’s research report published in 2021- “Travel & Tourism Economic Impact 2021”. The report also suggests that the travel and tourism industry employed around 330 million people in 2019, which represents one in ten jobs worldwide.

Trends in the Hospitality Industry

The hospitality industry has undergone significant changes over the years, with new trends emerging every year. One of the most significant trends in recent years is the rise of the sharing economy. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo have disrupted traditional hotel business models by allowing individuals to rent out their homes or apartments to travelers.

Another trend is the increasing popularity of sustainable tourism. More and more travelers are looking for eco-friendly accommodation options and participating in activities that promote sustainable tourism practices.

Conclusion

The hospitality and tourism industry is a massive sector that contributes significantly to the global economy. It provides employment opportunities for millions of people worldwide and offers a wide range of goods and services to tourists and business travelers alike. The industry is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging every year, making it an exciting field to watch.