Tourism to Add 89M Jobs in Next Decade

Travel is back, and it's bringing millions of jobs with it.

Global tourism is forecast to grow 3.2% in 2026, outpacing the wider economy's 2.4% growth, according to new research from the World Travel & Tourism Council. The sector will contribute $12 trillion to the global economy this year, representing nearly 10% of worldwide GDP.

The numbers get even better looking ahead. Over the next decade, tourism will support almost 89 million new jobs globally, accounting for roughly one in three of all new jobs created across every industry. By the end of 2026, the sector will support 376 million jobs worldwide, or one in every nine jobs on the planet.

Europe is leading the charge with particularly strong momentum. While Europe's overall economy is expected to grow just 1% in 2026, its tourism sector will expand by 3.6%, nearly four times faster. International visitor spending across Europe is projected to grow 7.1% this year, well above the global average of 3.7%.

Southern European destinations are shining brightest. Spain's tourism sector will grow 3.7% in 2026, while Italy is expected to lead major markets at 3.8% growth. Spain recorded nearly 97 million international visitors in 2025, generating over $130 billion in spending and ranking third globally.

The growth comes even as families face rising costs and economic uncertainty. Travelers are increasingly choosing destinations closer to home, particularly in Europe, as geopolitical tensions affect other regions.

The Ripple Effect

This tourism boom means more than vacation photos and hotel bookings. It's breathing life into communities across continents, creating opportunities for small business owners, restaurant workers, tour guides, and countless others who make travel possible.

The World Travel & Tourism Council points to smart infrastructure investment, digital innovation, and sustainable practices as keys to maintaining this growth. Countries like Spain, Italy, France and Turkey are showing what happens when governments recognize tourism's strategic value and support it with forward-looking policies.

One in three new jobs over the next decade will connect to someone exploring the world.