Governments need to increase peoples freedom to travel, to capitalise on Travel & Tourisms growth potential

Travel & Tourism's contribution to the world economy has grown for the fourth consecutive year and is expected to show even stronger growth in 2014. But policies need to be implemented to increase tourism receipts and jobs. That is according to The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which releases its 2014 annual economic impact data today.

WTTC is the global authority on the social and economic impact of Travel & Tourism. David Scowsill, President and CEO of WTTC, says it has been another really good year for the sector but many governments' lack of openness is restraining their country's Travel & Tourism potential; "The data underlines Travel & Tourism's undeniable status as a driver of growth. Some countries have taken huge positive strides with visa facilitation over the past few years. But many countries' economic contribution from Travel & Tourism is still being held back, particularly due to restrictive visa policies". Research from WTTC and the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) in 2012 demonstrates that improving visa processes could generate an additional US$ 206 billion in tourism receipts and create as many as 5.1 million jobs by 2015 in the G20 economies . Mr Scowsill says there is real momentum in some countries with visa facilitation but there is still a lot to do; "To capitalise on, rather than thwart, Travel & Tourism's potential to boost visitors, spend and jobs, we would encourage countries to implement progressive approaches to visas, which make it easier for people to travel. Governments also need to ensure that they have intelligent rather than punitive taxation measures in place. Last but not least, it is also essential that the public and private sectors facilitate growth in a responsible and sustainable way, with people and the planet at the forefront of policies."

According to the WTTC Economic Impact Report, in 2013:

According to the WTTC Economic Impact Report, in 2014:

Mr Scowsill adds; "The WTTC data underlines that Travel & Tourism is a key engine for continued global growth, which governments can't afford to ignore. 2013 has been a really good year with strong demand from long-haul markets. 2014 looks like it will be even sunnier, due to rising incomes and falling unemployment in many countries and stronger consumer spending. International travel will grow slightly faster than domestic travel, with the expanding middle class, particularly in emerging markets, playing a big part in that".

Travel & Tourism's contribution to the world economy has grown for the fourth consecutive year and is expected to show even stronger growth in 2014. But policies need to be implemented to increase tourism receipts and jobs. That is according to The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which releases its 2014 annual economic impact data today.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of Travel & Tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the industry, working with governments and international institutions to create jobs, to drive exports and to generate prosperity. Travel & Tourism accounts for 255 million jobs globally. At US$6 trillion (9% of GDP) the sector is a key driver for investment and economic growth. For more than 20 years, the World Travel & Tourism Council has been the voice of this industry globally. Members are the Chairs, Presidents and Chief Executives of the world's leading, private sector Travel & Tourism businesses. These Members bring specialist knowledge to guide government policy and decision-making, raising awareness of the importance of the industry as an economic generator of prosperity. WTTC's Sustainability Initiative has already concluded a number of projects aimed at driving sustainable economic recovery and growth, namely: the 'Leading the Challenge on Climate Change' report, and 'Climate Change A Joint Approach to Addressing the Challenge'.

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Travel & Tourism contributes 9.5% to the global economy in 2013 - WTTC Reports