WTTC Calls for Smarter Tourism Management as Destinations Face Pressure
While overcrowding is often seen as a tourism problem, many of the real pressures come from deeper issues such as underinvestment in infrastructure, poor planning, and fragmented decision-making. These challenges affect both residents and visitors and need joined-up solutions.
Travel & Tourism supports one in every 10 jobs and nearly 10% of global GDP and is set to support one in three new jobs over the next decade. When managed well, it also fosters cultural exchange, global understanding, and environmental protection. But without smart planning, the benefits it brings could be at risk.
WTTC's paper, Managing Destination Overcrowding: A Call to Action, explains that there's no simple fix to the problem and urges governments, local leaders, and businesses to work together to support both communities and visitors.
In 2024, Travel & Tourism is expected to contribute nearly $11TN to the global economy and support 357MN jobs. That's a huge success but it also means destinations must plan to manage growth responsibly.
Annually, governments around the world accrue more than $3.3TN from Travel & Tourism businesses, equivalent to 9.6% of global tax revenues. The global tourism body urges governments to reinvest this sum in vital infrastructure, and solutions to relieve pressures on already very popular destinations.
The report looks at some of the root causes of overcrowding in a small number of increasingly popular destinations across Europe and offers real-world solutions that can be tailored to local needs. From using better data and planning tools, to involving residents in decisions.
A Practical Plan of Action
The paper outlines six simple steps destinations can take to manage tourism better:
Get Organised – Bring the right stakeholders together, via empowered taskforces Make a Plan – Define a shared vision and destination strategy Gather the Evidence – A lack of data is exacerbating issues in several destinations. It is therefore crucial to carry out evidence-based diagnoses and responses to the unique challenges faced by each destination Stay Vigilant – Monitor conditions and act early Invest Wisely – Reinvest in infrastructure and resilience, being transparent about where money is spent Empower Residents – Make sure residents have a say and understand the benefits of Travel & Tourism in their communities
Why It Matters
A growing number of destinations have introduced tourism taxes in response to pressure, but WTTC warns that these measures don't always solve the real problems and can put jobs, income, and services at risk.
The report finds that if 11 major European cities capped visitor numbers, it could cost $245BN in lost GDP and almost 3MN jobs over three years.
The report includes examples of destinations that are taking positive steps to combat some of the causes:
Turisme de Barcelona Consortium operates under a public-private partnership model, guided by the principles of sustainable development goals
VisitFlanders' Travel to Tomorrow strategy, which reframes tourism as a tool to support local community goals such as making sure that listening to residents needs is a central tenet in their practice
Dubrovnik's partnership with CLIA, reducing congestion through cruise coordination and community dialogue
Iceland, which reinvests tourism levies directly into environmental protection
Travel & Tourism brings huge benefits including jobs, investment, and deeper cultural understanding. But growth needs to be managed carefully. We're encouraging all decision-makers to think ahead, work together, and focus on long-term benefits for residents and visitors alike. This isn't about stopping tourism, it's about making it work for everyone. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO
The global tourism body believe this is a moment of opportunity.
With the right steps, destinations can protect what makes them special while ensuring that tourism continues to bring value to communities and local economies.
The report makes clear there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Every destination is different, and actions must be based on local realities. But with cooperation and planning, Travel & Tourism can continue to thrive in a way that protects what makes each place special.
The paper encourages leaders to think beyond short-term fixes and focus on reinvesting tourism income into critical infrastructure improvements, local services, and resident wellbeing.
For more information and to download the report, please visit WTTC's Research Hub.
About WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector.
WTTC Press Office
WTTC
View source
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hospitality Net
4 days ago
- Hospitality Net
Italy Set to Break Tourism Records as Rome Prepares to Host WTTC's 25th Global Summit
Rome, Italy - Travel & Tourism in Italy is poised for a record-breaking year, with international visitor spending forecast to hit an all-time high of €60.4BN in 2025, according to new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Travel & Tourism is not just back, it's booming. After a strong recovery from the pandemic, Italy is racing ahead, cementing its place as Europe's fourth most popular destination and a global powerhouse of wellness, luxury, culture, culture and cuisine. According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), the sector is on track to support 3.2MN jobs in 2025 — 100,000 more than last year — and contribute €237.4BN to the Italian economy, nearly 11% of GDP. Domestic tourism remains robust, with spending projected to reach €124.6BN. Italy is back at the top of travellers' wish lists and for good reason. From the timeless beauty of Rome to the elegance of its coastlines, and countryside, Italy offers a unique experience steeped in history, culture, and exquisite luxury. This record-breaking growth is a tribute to the strength of Italy's Travel & Tourism sector and the passion of the people behind it. Our Global Summit in Rome will bring together leaders who are shaping the future. From Ministers and CEOs to innovators and sustainability champions. Italy stands as a model of how Travel & Tourism can power prosperity, cultural pride, and sustainable growth. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO A Government Committed to Tourism Since 2021, Italy has stood out apart among European and G20 countries with a dedicated Ministry of Tourism, demonstrating a powerful sign of political recognition for the sector's economic and social value. The Italian Government has also prioritised sustainability, innovation, and skills, while launching new national campaigns to encourage travellers to discover lesser-known destinations, spreading the benefits of tourism more evenly and responsibly. For the first time, we have brought to Rome, and brought back to Europe after six years, the world's largest event in tourism: the WTTC Global Summit, which sees the participation of key international leaders in the sector. It represents an important moment for the industry and for Italy and is a sign of how much ground we have regained and how we have returned to being protagonists on the global stage, so much so that we have the honour and privilege of hosting events of such prestige. Especially in a year already so stimulating for Italian tourism, with the ongoing Jubilee and the record figures we are registering, the summit further projects our capital and our nation towards continuous growth. The WTTC Global Summit will offer a unique opportunity to network and create new synergies among operators, associations, and institutions, developing the product, the offer, and the potential of our tourism ecosystem. And, ultimately, to be increasingly competitive and successful. Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè As Italy prepares to host the WTTC's 25th Global Summit, we celebrate not only our remarkable recovery from the pandemic but also the vibrant future of our Travel & Tourism sector. This growth is a testament to our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the shared passion of our communities. Together, we will continue to shape a prosperous and culturally rich experience for travellers from around the globe. Manfredi Lefebvre, Executive Chairman of AKTG, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises and WTTC Chair-Elect 2024 in Review Last year, the sector contributed €228.5BN to the Italian economy and supported 3.1MN jobs. Domestic spending hit €122.6BN, while international visitor spending reached €55.2BN. With the right investment in connectivity, skills and promotion, Italy is poised to become the blueprint for tourism-led growth in Europe. What's Next: 2035 and Beyond Looking ahead, WTTC forecasts the sector will contribute €282.6BN to Italy's economy by 2035, 12.2% of GDP, and support 3.7MN jobs. International visitor spending is projected to reach €78BN, with domestic spending hitting €142.5BN. What This Means for SMEs As the Italian tourism economy enters a new era of growth, opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises are expanding rapidly. To explore what this boom means for Italy's dynamic SME sector, and why now is the moment to act, visit the WTTC Together in Travel platform. In association with the Ministry of Tourism, the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, WTTC's 25th Global Summit will take place at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, from the 28th to the 30th of September 2025. For more information and to access the full factsheet, please visit WTTC's Research Hub. About WTTC The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) represents the global travel & tourism private sector. Members include 200 CEOs, Chairs and Presidents of the world's leading travel & tourism companies from all geographies covering all industries. For more than 30 years, WTTC has been committed to raising the awareness of governments and the public of the economic and social significance of the travel & tourism sector. WTTC Press Office WTTC View source
Hospitality Net
17-07-2025
- Hospitality Net
Shiji Releases Q2 2025 Guest Experience Benchmark: Global satisfaction hits record high
BARCELONA, Spain, July 17, 2025 – Shiji, the global leader in hospitality technology, has announced the release of its Q2 2025 Guest Experience Benchmark, highlighting steady global gains in guest satisfaction, driven by consistent performance across property tiers and key regions. Highlights from Q2 2025: The Global Review Index (GRI) reached a new record of 86.9%, with May peaking at 87.0%, continuing an upward trend that began in late 2022. 3-star hotels saw the strongest improvement in satisfaction scores, rising +0.6 percentage points, outpacing the growth of 5-star properties. Review volume increased only +0.4% year-over-year, impacted by significant declines in North America (–3.0%) and Europe (–1.2%). Google review volume jumped 10%, but with no corresponding increase in guest sentiment, while and Agoda saw declines in both share and volume. The industry-wide push for faster, more consistent review responses continues, with average response times now just 3.1 days, down from 14 in 2019, thanks to the widespread use of AI tools. 'It's encouraging to see the Global Review Index continue its upward trend, especially driven by consistent gains in 3- and 4-star properties,' said Bruno Saragat, Sales Engineer at Shiji. 'However, the decline in review volume across North America and Europe, despite increased travel, signals a shift in guest behavior and review patterns. With rising expectations around cleanliness and room quality, it's clear that hoteliers will need to stay agile and focused as we move into the peak season.' Despite a turbulent global geopolitical situation, guest sentiment continues to trend positively, especially in North America and the Middle East. The data points to rising expectations around cleanliness and room quality, highlighting where hoteliers can focus their efforts for the rest of the year. Shiji's Q2 2025 Guest Experience Benchmark draws on millions of reviews from hotels worldwide and provides hospitality professionals with actionable insights into shifting guest behavior and performance benchmarks. For access to the full report, click here. View source
Hospitality Net
11-07-2025
- Hospitality Net
Il Sereno, Lake Como Presents the Darsena Listening Suite: the World's First Hotel Suite Built Entirely Around the Art of Listening
Created for sound - Owner-audiophile Luis Contreras and designer Patricia Urquiola turn 200 m² of lakefront space into a dedicated hi-fi sanctuary. Championing analogue - Klipsch La Scala loudspeakers, McIntosh tube pre-amp and amplifier, Thorens turntable, and a meticulously rebuilt Revox reel-to-reel deck. With over 500 vinyl records—and counting—the music is never just background. Private Michelin experience - Chef Raffaele Lenzi serves tasting menus in-suite, with each course unfolding to a thoughtfully curated musical backdrop. Living collection - Guests may request favourite albums in advance, with the records joining the library for future listeners. Inspired by Japan's jazz-kissa - Adapts the quiet-listening culture now trending worldwide to an Italian modernist setting on Lake Como. This season, Il Sereno Lago di Como introduces its most personal and immersive offering yet: The Darsena Listening Suite. Conceived by owner-audiophile Luis Contreras and brought to life together with designer Patricia Urquiola, this 200 m² lakefront sanctuary redefines the travel experience through music. The suite becomes a cultural space where high-fidelity analogue music, tactile contemporary design and Michelin-starred cuisine converge, with the lake as natural backdrop. Drawing on Tokyo's jazz-kissa listening cafés—intimate venues where vinyl is revered—The Darsena Listening Suite is believed to be the first hotel guestroom anywhere designed entirely around the act of listening. How a Reel-to-Reel Sparked the Dream In early 2021, shortly after Italy's lockdown lifted, Luis Contreras found himself transfixed by the gentle spin of a vintage Revox B77 reel-to-reel tape deck during a dinner. That simple, hypnotic loop—and the warm, analogue hum that accompanied it—inspired him to create a space where guests could truly pause, lower a stylus and immerse themselves in music. Over the next year, he journeyed through the world of high-end hifi, meeting bespoke tubeamp artisans, exploring artisanal systems and combing vintage hifi listings online. While handcrafted, old-school rigs proved breathtaking, their delicacy and complexity made them impractical for daily hotel use. Equally tempting were classic vintage turntables and speakers—high-end hifi, like fine automobiles, holds its value—but the unpredictability of older equipment posed too many reliability risks. Ultimately, Contreras chose a hybrid path: modern reissues of iconic designs that deliver classic sound with guest proof stability. The suite's core system now features Klipsch La Scala II speakers, a glowing McIntosh MC275 amplifier, a MacIntosh C22 Preamp, a Thorens 1601 turntable with Sumiko Amethyst cartridge and the restored Revox deck that sparked the entire vision. To this, he added more than 500 LPs from his personal collection—from Deutsche Grammophon box sets to original press Bowie—and a promise that any guest's personal favourites will be sought out and added to the library. Redesigning The Luxury Suite as a Cultural Space Contreras involved Urquiola in the design, approaching it with the same reverence given to sound. A 50-foot wall of custom-woven jacquard fabric echoes the rippling water while refining acoustics. Rich walnut panelling, sculptural bronze fixtures and a monumental bespoke stone dining table form a theatre of textures and light. Molteni sofas, Gio Ponti Leggera chairs and tactile surfaces create areas for listening, lounging and gathering. Floor-to-ceiling glass blurs the line between interior and landscape, while a private deck with direct lake access invites guests to step out and swim straight from the sanctuary of the Listening Suite. From the hush of thick fabrics to the cool solidity of stone and the warm embrace of brushed wood, every detail was selected to heighten the senses. Culinary Artistry: Soundtrack to Dinner At Contreras' request, Studio Urquiola conceived a sculptural round stone table seating up to ten guests, set atop a richly coloured custom rug and positioned directly before the audio system, with Lake Como unfolding beyond. An evening here—watching the hypnotic motion of the Revox Reel-to-Reel, immersed in music, taking in the lake views, and enjoying Chef Lenzi's refined cuisine alongside a well-chosen Italian wine—offers a sensory experience that is both intimate and unforgettable. Chef Raffaele Lenzi brings his Michelin-starred Sereno Al Lago menu into the suite, where each dish is served against a backdrop of curated vinyl, perhaps a smoky jazz side to complement a lapsang-infused artichoke, or a Baroque concerto to mirror the rhythm of a delicate Risotto alla Pescatora. The warmth of a vacuum-tube amp deepens the earthy aroma of autumn truffles, while bright string arrangements elevate the citrus-forward seafood crudo. Each course is experienced as a movement in a larger composition, marked by the quiet, tactile ritual of lifting the tonearm and placing the next record. After dinner, guests may linger over a final side—a bold anthem or a whispered lullaby—transforming the suite into a lounge for lingering conversation and reflection. A Living Concept Far from static, The Darsena Listening Suite is a living project. Guest-requested records become part of the permanent archive; Contreras's son has already added his own selections, bridging generations through shared music. When not booked overnight, the suite transforms into an intimate venue for private dinners or curated listening salons for up to ten guests—keeping the space as dynamic as the playlists it celebrates. A Global Rise of Listening Rooms As vinyl sales surge and travellers seek intimate, acoustically tuned experiences, listening bars and private sound sanctuaries have proliferated from London's Spiritland to New York's niche hifi lounges. Il Sereno extends this movement, embedding jazz-kissa principles into an immersive guest suite with Lake Como's timeless elegance. Il Sereno: Continuing to Set the Standard in Experiential Hospitality Since its opening, Il Sereno has distinguished itself through its commitment to design, craftsmanship, and understated luxury. A jewel on the shores of Lake Como, the hotel offers lake-facing suites, heritage Italian furnishings, and unparalleled service. Guests can explore the lake on a handcrafted Ernesto Riva boat, enjoy scenic drives in Maseratis, FIAT 500's and classic Alfas, or discover hidden villages by Vespa or foot. With the unveiling of The Listening Suite, Il Sereno affirms its place at the vanguard of luxury travel—not merely as a destination, but as a curator of culture, a host of meaningful experiences, and a home for those who find beauty in detail. Rate from $6,300 inclusive of breakfast, plus VAT. Hotel website
