Latest news with #TravelTourism
Hospitality Net
08-07-2025
- Hospitality Net
WTTC Calls for Smarter Tourism Management as Destinations Face Pressure
London, UK - As Travel & Tourism enters the height of the summer season, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today launched a new report calling for a more balanced approach to managing tourism in popular destinations. 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
Hospitality Net
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Portugal's Travel & Tourism Sector Enters Golden Era
London, UK - New data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals Portugal's Travel & Tourism sector is set to continue growing in 2025, following a landmark year in 2024 that saw the industry surpass all previous peaks across economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending. According to the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, Travel & Tourism in Portugal is forecast to contribute €62.7BN to the national economy this year, representing 21.5% of GDP, and towering above the 2019 peak by nearly 38%. The sector is expected to support 1.2 million jobs across the country; that is close to one in four jobs in Portugal, 200,000 more than at its previous high. International visitor spending is projected to grow to €33.1BN, while domestic spending is forecast to reach €22.9BN, growing by 24.2% and 59.5% on 2019 levels, respectively, reflecting continued strength in both inbound and local demand. A Look Back to 2024 These 2025 projections build on an extraordinary performance in 2024, when Portugal's Travel & Tourism sector reached its highest levels on record. Last year, the sector contributed €60.6BN to the economy, equivalent to 21.3% of national GDP, and supported 1.2 million jobs, equivalent to nearly 23% of total employment. International visitor spending surged to €31.8BN, while domestic tourism contributed €22.2BN, marking all-time highs for both indicators. A Look Ahead to 2035 WTTC's long-term outlook signals even greater potential in the years to come. By 2035, Travel & Tourism in Portugal is projected to contribute more than €74.6BN to GDP, accounting for 22.6% of the national economy. The sector is expected to support 1.4 million jobs, reinforcing its role as a vital engine of economic opportunity and social development. Spending by international visitors could reach €40.6BN, while domestic spending is forecast to rise to €25.8BN, confirming the sector's central role in Portugal's long-term economic strategy. A Glimpse into the European Union In 2024, the EU Travel & Tourism sector contributed almost €1.8TN to the region's GDP, representing more than 10% of the Bloc's economy, and above 2019 levels by almost 6%. The sector's employment grew by 4.7%, year-on-year, to 24.6 million jobs, accounting for one in nine jobs across the region. By the end of 2025, WTTC forecasts that the EU Travel & Tourism sector will reach almost €1.9TN, representing 10.5% of the EU economy. Employment linked to the sector is estimated to total 25.7 million people, or 12% of the regional total. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), 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
Skift
24-06-2025
- Business
- Skift
Centara Hotels Accelerates Five-Star Expansion Strategy
The World Travel & Tourism Council's 2025 Economic Impact Research forecast predicted the Philippines' Travel & Tourism Sector will contribute PHP 5.9 trillion to the national economy, up 13.5% from 2019 levels to a new record. International visitor expenditure is projected to reach PHP 709.2 billion, up 2.1% over the 2019 peak. Domestic visitor spending is expected to reach PHP 4.1 trillion, up 9.3% from the previous high. Domestic spending in 2024 was PHP 3.6 trillion, while international spending grew to PHP 644.8 billion. That same report forecasts another record-breaking year in Australia in 2025, with Travel & Tourism set to inject $314.4 billion into the national economy. International visitor spending is predicted to reach $39 billion, nearly 22% above 2024, with domestic spending forecast to climb to almost $173 billion. In 2024, international visitor spending totaled $32.1 billion while domestic spending reached $123.7 billion. CEO Group has begun construction on Novotel Cam Ranh Resort at Bai Dai – Cam Ranh in Khanh Hoa province. The resort is being built by Accor Group with the Novotel brand, affirming CEO Group's long-term vision and aspirations to elevate tourism in Vietnam. Novotel Cam Ranh Resort will cover nearly eight hectares and will include 387 hotel rooms, villas, and bungalows, including a luxurious presidential villa overlooking the sea. Guests will be able to enjoy a sky bar, swimming pool, restaurant, pool bar, and children's play area. CEO Group and Accor have already opened Novotel Phu Quoc Resort together. The new Cam Ranh resort is scheduled to open on the 25th anniversary of CEO Group, October 26, 2026. The Thai Nguyen Provincial People's Committee awarded an investment registration certificate for the Route Inn Grand Thai Nguyen Hotel project to Route Inn Thai Nguyen Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Route Inn Japan. The 14-story hotel will be built on an area of more than 9,000 square meters in the Yen Binh Urban Area in Vietnam with a total cost of US$14.7 million. It will feature 350 rooms and is expected to become a flagship resort for Thai Nguyen and Vietnam as a whole. The hotel is designed to feature full Japanese-standard facilities and services while incorporating a blend of Vietnamese and Japanese cultural elements, catering to both international experts and travelers seeking a high-end stay. Route Inn Japan operates nearly 600 properties across Japan and manages several projects in Vietnam. Thai Nguyen is the third Vietnamese location to be chosen by Route Inn Japan for hotel development. They are aiming to open 100 hotels in Vietnam over the next decade. Centara Hotels & Resorts said they are accelerating their global business enhancement strategy with the opening and transformation of five-star and luxury hotels in some of the world's most desirable destinations. By expanding its exclusive Centara Grand and Centara Reserve brands, the group is advancing its goal to be a top 100 hotel company worldwide by 2027. The Centara Grand brand opened a new resort in the Maldives earlier this year, following openings and renovations in Osaka and Bangkok. Later this year, they will be unveiling the renovations of their heritage hotels in Hua Hin, Thailand, and the country will also welcome the second Reserve brand property in Krabi. The Centara Reserve brand debuted in 2021. The world's second will be at the former Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi, which is currently closed for a comprehensive renovation. Minor Hotels announced the acquisition of a popular resort with extensive meeting and events spaces in the NSW Snowy Mountains. The company has taken over the 110-room Oaks Lake Crackenback Resort in Thredbo Valley, located 15 minutes from Thredbo and Perisher Ski Fields. The resort includes 110 studios, apartments, villas, and chalets with amenities including an indoor heated pool, sauna, gym, dedicated spa and wellness center, two dining venues, and several spaces for meetings and events. Minor Hotels has welcomed six properties already in 2025. Xandari Resorts, part of Muthoot Leisure & Hospitality Division, is planning to expand its footprint to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India and overseas. The company has a dominant presence in Kerala and intends to open 3-4 resorts in the next couple of years. Xandari currently operates five resorts, with one outside of India in Costa Rica. They are looking to have a presence in Sawantwadi in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Costa Rica, and Bhutan. The expected cost for the expansion is around Rs 45 crore per property. VD Rooms announced its strategic expansion across four major Indian states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Rajasthan. They plan to acquire underperforming hotels and convert them to fully functional, customer-first properties under the VD Rooms brand. By bringing these underperforming, low-occupancy properties under the VD Rooms umbrella, they aim to revamp infrastructure, standardize operations, and create unified brand experiences that ensure guest satisfaction and loyalty. The hotels will undergo extensive upgrades in amenities, cleanliness, service quality, and digital enablement to match VD Rooms' established standards. Realty firm Saya Group has reached an agreement for Lemon Tree Hotels to manage its 336 business suites in Greater Noida in India. Saya Group reached an agreement with Carnation Hotels Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Lemon Tree. The agreement calls for Carnation to operate and manage 336 fully serviced business-class suites at Saya SouthX, a mixed-use project being developed by Saya. Personnel Moves Star Entertainment Group announced Jennifer Cronin has been appointed interim CEO for The Star Gold Coast for a maximum term of 12 months while the company continues to search for a permanent CEO. She has also been made a Director of The Star Entertainment Qld Custodian Pty, the licensee of The Star Gold Coast casino. Rowena Craze, who joined Star in April last year as Group Chief Audit Officer, has been appointed the Group Chief Risk Officer. Patrick McGlinchey, who joined the company last August as Interim Group Chief Legal Officer, has been formally appointed to the role. Sarah Derry, who joined in March as Chief People Officer, has received all regulatory approvals and will move into the role full time on July 1. Peter Meliniotis was appointed Group Chief Information Officer. He joined the company in January as Group Technology Transformation Executive. Finally, Helen Galloway has been appointed as the Independent Chair of The Star Pty, the licensee of The Star Sydney casino, for an initial term of three years.
Travel Daily News
24-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Travel & Tourism in Egypt reaches historic milestones
Egypt's travel and tourism sector hit record highs in 2024, with GDP contribution, visitor spending, and employment set to grow further in 2025. LONDON, UK – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed record-breaking data for Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector, with 2024 marking the highest-ever contribution to the national economy, and 2025 forecast to surpass that record once again. According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4tn. to Egypt's GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy. Looking ahead, 2025 is projected to set a new all-time high with a forecast annual growth of 4.9% and increase in the sector's share to 8.6% of national GDP. This underlines the central role of Travel & Tourism in Egypt's continued economic development. Visitor Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Records 2024 also marked the strongest year on record for visitor spending. International visitor expenditure in Egypt reached EGP 726.9bn., up 36.1% compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending rose to EGP 449.9bn., 31.8% above pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend is set to continue. In 2025, international visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2bn., and domestic spending is expected to reach EGP 460.6BN, maintaining the country's strong recovery and sustained demand across both international and local travel. Employment Growth Exceeds 2019 Levels In addition to record-breaking economic contribution and visitor spending, in 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, exceeding the 2019 peak. This growth is set to continue in Egypt, with 2025 employment forecast to rise to 2.9 million, marking a 22.3% increase compared to 2019. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: 'Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country's growth. With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government's focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off.' A Decade of Growth WTTC forecasts a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector. By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute EGP to the national economy, accounting for 8.4% of GDP. Employment is projected to reach 3.8 million jobs, representing 10.5% of total employment, and highlighting the sector's critical role in job creation. Over the same period, international visitor spending is expected to rise to EGP 1.1tn., while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627BN, reflecting Egypt's potential to become one of the region's most vibrant and sustainable tourism economies.
Hospitality Net
20-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Travel & Tourism in Egypt Reaches Historic Milestones
London, UK - The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed record-breaking data for Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector, with 2024 marking the highest-ever contribution to the national economy, and 2025 forecast to surpass that record once again. According to WTTC's latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4TN to Egypt's GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy. Looking ahead, 2025 is projected to set a new all-time high with a forecast annual growth of 4.9% and increase in the sector's share to 8.6% of national GDP. This underlines the central role of Travel & Tourism in Egypt's continued economic development. Visitor Spending Surpasses Pre-Pandemic Records 2024 also marked the strongest year on record for visitor spending. International visitor expenditure reached EGP 726.9BN, up 36.1% compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending rose to EGP 449.9BN, 31.8% above pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend is set to continue. In 2025, international visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2BN, and domestic spending is expected to reach EGP 460.6BN, maintaining the country's strong recovery and sustained demand across both international and local travel. Employment Growth Exceeds 2019 Levels In addition to record-breaking economic contribution and visitor spending, in 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, exceeding the 2019 peak. This growth is set to continue, with 2025 employment forecast to rise to 2.9 million, marking a 22.3% increase compared to 2019. Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record-breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. These numbers reflect a sector on the rise: dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country's growth. With its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government's focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly paying off. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO A Decade of Growth WTTC forecasts a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt's Travel & Tourism sector. By 2035, the sector is expected to contribute EGP 2.1TN to the national economy, accounting for 8.4% of GDP. Employment is projected to reach 3.8 million jobs, representing 10.5% of total employment, and highlighting the sector's critical role in job creation. Over the same period, international visitor spending is expected to rise to EGP 1.1TN, while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627BN, reflecting Egypt's potential to become one of the region's most vibrant and sustainable tourism economies. For more information and to access the full factsheet, including WTTC's latest Environmental Social Research (ESR), please visit WTTC's Research Hub. Editors Notes All figures given in EGP 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
