What Percentage of the Economy Is Tourism?

By Alice Nichols

Tourism is a significant contributor to the global economy, providing employment opportunities and generating revenue for countries across the world. The industry encompasses a wide range of activities, including accommodation, transportation, food and beverage services, recreation, and entertainment.

But what percentage of the economy is tourism? Let’s take a closer look.

Measuring Tourism’s Impact on the Economy

When it comes to measuring tourism’s impact on the economy, there are several metrics that economists use. One of the most commonly used measures is the contribution of tourism to gross domestic product (GDP). GDP represents the total value of goods and services produced within a country’s borders during a specific period.

The Global Picture

According to data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2019, travel and tourism directly contributed 3.3% of global GDP, amounting to $8.9 trillion. This figure includes both domestic and international tourism spending. The industry also supported 330 million jobs worldwide or 1 in 10 jobs globally.

However, with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting hard on travel and tourism in 2020 and beyond, these figures have drastically changed.

Regional Variations

The contribution of travel and tourism to GDP varies widely across regions. In some countries, such as small island states like Maldives or Seychelles or Monaco where tourism is a primary source of income for their economies contribute significantly more than larger countries where tourism isn’t their primary source of income.

According to WTTC data for 2019:

  • Travel & Tourism contributed 10% or more to GDP in Spain (15.5%), Thailand (21%), Mexico (15%), Greece (20.8%), Portugal (14.8%), Croatia (25%)
  • In contrast, the industry contributed less than 1% of GDP in countries such as Angola, Chad, and South Sudan.

The Future of Tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the travel and tourism industry, with many countries closing their borders and imposing travel restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. As a result, tourism’s contribution to GDP has declined sharply. However, many experts believe that the industry will recover in the coming years as vaccinations become more widespread.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, tourism plays a significant role in driving economic growth and providing employment opportunities worldwide. While it only accounts for a small percentage of global GDP directly, its indirect impact is much larger when considering its support for other industries such as agriculture, construction, and retail. With proper policies and safety measures in place, tourism’s contribution to the economy is expected to continue growing over time.