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Canada Standard
a day ago
- Business
- Canada Standard
Europe set for 11% rise in tourist spending, WTTC report says
MADRID, Spain: Europe's tourism sector is poised for a strong 2025, with international visitor spending projected to grow by 11 percent and reach US$838 billion, according to a new report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). France and Spain are expected to lead the surge, with record-breaking tourist numbers on the horizon. In contrast, the WTTC predicts a seven percent drop in international spending in the United States this year. The group cited potential deterrents such as President Donald Trump's trade and migration policies and weaker currency exchange rates. "Which means that more people will come to Europe," said WTTC CEO Julia Simpson at a press briefing, noting that Canadians and Mexicans might be especially likely to avoid U.S. travel this year. Spain is forecast to see a six percent boost in tourist spending, totaling 113.2 billion euros ($127.7 billion). Arrivals are projected to be between 98 and 100 million, surpassing last year's record of 94 million. "Americans will continue to travel abroad ... and they will be very welcome in Spain," Simpson added. France, however, is still expected to receive more tourists than Spain, while the U.S. remains the largest travel and tourism market globally.
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
International tourist spending in Europe seen up 11% this year, report says
MADRID, May 29 (Reuters) - International travel spending in Europe is expected to rise by 11% to $838 billion this year, with France and Spain among the countries set to receive record numbers of tourists, according to a report by the World Travel and Tourism Council. The rosy forecast may be influenced in part by some tourists avoiding the United States as the WTTC expects foreign visitors' spending in the U.S. to decline by about 7% this year. The group's CEO, Julia Simpson, told a press briefing that neighbouring Canadians and Mexicans might opt against travel to the U.S. in light of President Donald Trump's trade and migration policies, or unfavourable currency exchange rates, "which means that more people will come to Europe". The WTTC, which represents the travel industry's private sector, estimated tourists would spend 6% - or 113.2 billion euros ($127.7 billion) - more in Spain this year than in 2024, with between 98 and 100 million visitors topping last year's record of 94 million. "Americans will continue to travel abroad ... and they will be very welcome in Spain," Simpson said. According to the WTTC, France will still receive more tourists than Spain, while the U.S. remains the world's largest travel and tourism market. ($1 = 0.8865 euros)
Web Release
24-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
Saudi Arabia unveils TOURISE: A bold global platform set to redefine and shape a new horizon for tourism at scale
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb officially launched TOURISE today, a bold new global platform designed to shape a new horizon and plot a shared roadmap for the next 50 years of tourism. Built for ambition and backed by vision, TOURISE will convene a dynamic cross-section of public and private sector industry giants for the first time. Visionary leaders with tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and cultural expertise will be connected to tackle critical challenges, unlock transformative opportunities and set the agenda for a sector that is sustainable, equitable and future-focused. Along with global partners from multilateral institutions to private sector leaders, TOURISE is designed to unlock major, unprecedented deal flow, with high-value investment opportunities and access to breakthrough technologies set to be announced and activated through the platform. TOURISE is no ordinary event; it is a global platform structured for year-round impact at scale through digital collaboration, thematic working groups, and cross-sector partnerships focused on long-term sector transformation. This will include authoring a series of white papers and global indices focused on tourism, sustainability and global economy, co-developed with leading international organizations, setting new benchmarks for the tourism sector. The inaugural TOURISE Summit will take place in Riyadh from November 11 to 13, 2025. The program, which will also be livestreamed, will focus on four core themes: The Future of AI-Powered Tourism – Innovate or Fade; The Great Tourism Reset – Disruptive Business Models and Investment; Rebooting the Travel Experience – Upgrade in Progress; and Tourism that Works – for People, Planet, and Progress. A dedicated Innovation Zone will showcase breakthrough technologies and solutions from SMEs and mid to large corporations spanning AI, mobility, sustainability, and more from innovators across both public and private sectors. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), this year tourism is on a strong upward trajectory, with the sector projected to contribute $11.7 trillion to the global economy -10.3% of global GDP – highlighting a strong recovery. Yet, challenges such as shifting market dynamics, evolving traveler preferences, and capacity constraints continue to pose risks to maintain progress. At this critical juncture, TOURISE provides the strategic support needed to navigate these headwinds and sustain momentum. Speaking at the virtual launch today, Minister of Tourism and TOURISE Chairman, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: 'Tourism is one of the most dynamic, connective forces in the world's economy, supporting one in ten jobs globally. But as the world evolves, the sector must too. Whether adapting to technological disruption and changing traveler expectations, to addressing the urgent calls for sustainability and a more equitable approach to travel, TOURISE will be the much-needed platform to shape the future of tourism. It will unite the right people to develop innovative solutions and build partnerships, enabling the tourism sector to be more resilient, connected, and inclusive than ever before.' Julia Simpson, World Travel & Tourism Council President & CEO, and TOURISE Advisory Board Member, who joined His Excellency to officially launch TOURISE, said: 'We are delighted to be a part of this global initiative and continue our long-standing collaboration across the entire tourism ecosystem. For this industry to evolve and reach its full potential, public-private sector collaboration is critical to the continued success of Travel & Tourism worldwide. Together, we can address the challenges of today while co-creating a sustainable and innovative future for tomorrow. ' TOURISE is backed by an advisory board chaired by His Excellency, with global experts from online travel agencies, tour operators, hoteliers, global tourism bodies, entertainment, and media, including: Mario Enzesberger, Founder and CEO, Liberty International Tourism Group; Mo Gawdat, Founder, One Billion Happy; Stephane Lefebvre, President, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group; Luis Maroto, CEO, Amadeus; and Julia Simpson CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC); and Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Heathrow Airport. The inaugural TOURISE Awards were also announced today – a stand-out recognition program celebrating destination excellence across the global tourism ecosystem. The awards will spotlight notable achievements in sustainability, digital transformation, inclusive tourism, cultural preservation, and workforce development. Nomination submissions will open on June 2, and award winners will be announced on the opening night of the TOURISE Summit. TOURISE builds on Saudi Arabia's growing role as a core contributor and driver in the global tourism landscape alongside major industry organizations including UN Tourism, WTTC, and the World Economic Forum (WEF). In 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia hit its Vision 2030 target of 100 million visitors annually, seven years early and the tourism sector contributed almost five 5% to the national GDP, second only to oil production. This underscores Saudi Arabia's rising influence and long-term commitment to supporting tourism as a driver of global progress and growth. In building TOURISE with global partners – from multilateral institutions to private sector leaders – Saudi Arabia will ensure its leadership will deliver worldwide impact. To register your interest and become part of the platform shaping the next chapter of global tourism, visit
Tourism Breaking News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Saudi Arabia unveils TOURISE: A bold global platform set to redefine and shape a new horizon for tourism at scale
Post Views: 51 Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb officially launched TOURISE , a bold new global platform designed to shape a new horizon and plot a shared roadmap for the next 50 years of tourism. Built for ambition and backed by vision, TOURISE will convene a dynamic cross-section of public and private sector industry giants for the first time. Visionary leaders with tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and cultural expertise will be connected to tackle critical challenges, unlock transformative opportunities and set the agenda for a sector that is sustainable, equitable and future-focused. Along with global partners from multilateral institutions to private sector leaders, TOURISE is designed to unlock major, unprecedented deal flow, with high-value investment opportunities and access to breakthrough technologies set to be announced and activated through the platform. TOURISE is no ordinary event; it is a global platform structured for year-round impact at scale through digital collaboration, thematic working groups, and cross-sector partnerships focused on long-term sector transformation. This will include authoring a series of white papers and global indices focused on tourism, sustainability and global economy, co-developed with leading international organizations, setting new benchmarks for the tourism sector. The inaugural TOURISE Summit will take place in Riyadh from November 11 to 13, 2025. The program, which will also be livestreamed, will focus on four core themes: The Future of AI-Powered Tourism – Innovate or Fade; The Great Tourism Reset – Disruptive Business Models and Investment; Rebooting the Travel Experience – Upgrade in Progress; and Tourism that Works – for People, Planet, and Progress. A dedicated Innovation Zone will showcase breakthrough technologies and solutions from SMEs and mid to large corporations spanning AI, mobility, sustainability, and more from innovators across both public and private sectors. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), this year tourism is on a strong upward trajectory, with the sector projected to contribute $11.7 trillion to the global economy -10.3% of global GDP – highlighting a strong recovery. Yet, challenges such as shifting market dynamics, evolving traveler preferences, and capacity constraints continue to pose risks to maintain progress. At this critical juncture, TOURISE provides the strategic support needed to navigate these headwinds and sustain momentum. Speaking at the virtual launch today, Minister of Tourism and TOURISE Chairman, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: 'Tourism is one of the most dynamic, connective forces in the world's economy, supporting one in ten jobs globally. But as the world evolves, the sector must too. Whether adapting to technological disruption and changing traveler expectations, to addressing the urgent calls for sustainability and a more equitable approach to travel, TOURISE will be the much-needed platform to shape the future of tourism. It will unite the right people to develop innovative solutions and build partnerships, enabling the tourism sector to be more resilient, connected, and inclusive than ever before.' Julia Simpson, World Travel & Tourism Council President & CEO, and TOURISE Advisory Board Member, who joined His Excellency to officially launch TOURISE, said: 'We are delighted to be a part of this global initiative and continue our long-standing collaboration across the entire tourism ecosystem. For this industry to evolve and reach its full potential, public-private sector collaboration is critical to the continued success of Travel & Tourism worldwide. Together, we can address the challenges of today while co-creating a sustainable and innovative future for tomorrow. ' TOURISE is backed by an advisory board chaired by His Excellency, with global experts from online travel agencies, tour operators, hoteliers, global tourism bodies, entertainment, and media, including: Mario Enzesberger, Founder and CEO, Liberty International Tourism Group; Mo Gawdat, Founder, One Billion Happy; Stephane Lefebvre, President, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group; Luis Maroto, CEO, Amadeus; and Julia Simpson CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC); and Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Heathrow Airport. The inaugural TOURISE Awards were also announced today – a stand-out recognition program celebrating destination excellence across the global tourism ecosystem. The awards will spotlight notable achievements in sustainability, digital transformation, inclusive tourism, cultural preservation, and workforce development. Nomination submissions will open on June 2, and award winners will be announced on the opening night of the TOURISE Summit. TOURISE builds on Saudi Arabia's growing role as a core contributor and driver in the global tourism landscape alongside major industry organizations including UN Tourism, WTTC, and the World Economic Forum (WEF). In 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia hit its Vision 2030 target of 100 million visitors annually, seven years early and the tourism sector contributed almost five 5% to the national GDP, second only to oil production. This underscores Saudi Arabia's rising influence and long-term commitment to supporting tourism as a driver of global progress and growth. In building TOURISE with global partners – from multilateral institutions to private sector leaders – Saudi Arabia will ensure its leadership will deliver worldwide impact.
Business Upturn
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Saudi Arabia Unveils TOURISE: A Bold Global Platform Set to Redefine and Shape a New Horizon for Tourism at Scale
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: TOURISE is the first global platform to unite visionary public and private sector leaders across tourism, technology, investment and sustainability ecosystems. Anchored by a high-level advisory board of global industry leaders, TOURISE aims to unlock unprecedented deal flow and high-value investment opportunities that will reset the industry. Accompanying TOURISE Awards program will recognize best-in-class destinations delivering travel experiences that are purposeful, unforgettable, and aligned with the evolving expectations of today's travelers. Inaugural invite-only TOURISE Summit will take place in Riyadh from 11–13 November 2025, and will extend as a year-round platform to shape how the world travels, connects and grows. Saudi Arabia's Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb officially launched TOURISE today, a bold new global platform designed to shape a new horizon and plot a shared roadmap for the next 50 years of tourism. Built for ambition and backed by vision, TOURISE will convene a dynamic cross-section of public and private sector industry giants for the first time. Visionary leaders with tourism, technology, investment, sustainability, and cultural expertise will be connected to tackle critical challenges, unlock transformative opportunities and set the agenda for a sector that is sustainable, equitable and future-focused. Along with global partners from multilateral institutions to private sector leaders, TOURISE is designed to unlock major, unprecedented deal flow, with high-value investment opportunities and access to breakthrough technologies set to be announced and activated through the platform. TOURISE is no ordinary event; it is a global platform structured for year-round impact at scale through digital collaboration, thematic working groups, and cross-sector partnerships focused on long-term sector transformation. This will include authoring a series of white papers and global indices focused on tourism, sustainability and global economy, co-developed with leading international organizations, setting new benchmarks for the tourism sector. The inaugural TOURISE Summit will take place in Riyadh from November 11 to 13, 2025. The program, which will also be livestreamed, will focus on four core themes: The Future of AI-Powered Tourism – Innovate or Fade; The Great Tourism Reset – Disruptive Business Models and Investment; Rebooting the Travel Experience – Upgrade in Progress; and Tourism that Works – for People, Planet, and Progress. A dedicated Innovation Zone will showcase breakthrough technologies and solutions from SMEs and mid to large corporations spanning AI, mobility, sustainability, and more from innovators across both public and private sectors. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), this year tourism is on a strong upward trajectory, with the sector projected to contribute $11.7 trillion to the global economy – 10.3% of global GDP – highlighting a strong recovery. Yet, challenges such as shifting market dynamics, evolving traveler preferences, and capacity constraints continue to pose risks to maintain progress. At this critical juncture, TOURISE provides the strategic support needed to navigate these headwinds and sustain momentum. Speaking at the virtual launch today, Minister of Tourism and TOURISE Chairman, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb said: 'Tourism is one of the most dynamic, connective forces in the world's economy, supporting one in ten jobs globally. But as the world evolves, the sector must too. Whether adapting to technological disruption and changing traveler expectations, to addressing the urgent calls for sustainability and a more equitable approach to travel, TOURISE will be the much-needed platform to shape the future of tourism. It will unite the right people to develop innovative solutions and build partnerships, enabling the tourism sector to be more resilient, connected, and inclusive than ever before.' Julia Simpson, World Travel & Tourism Council President & CEO, and TOURISE Advisory Board Member, who joined His Excellency to officially launch TOURISE, said: 'We are delighted to be a part of this global initiative and continue our long-standing collaboration across the entire tourism ecosystem. For this industry to evolve and reach its full potential, public-private sector collaboration is critical to the continued success of Travel & Tourism worldwide. Together, we can address the challenges of today while co-creating a sustainable and innovative future for tomorrow.' TOURISE is backed by an advisory board chaired by His Excellency, with global experts from online travel agencies, tour operators, hoteliers, global tourism bodies, entertainment, and media, including: Mario Enzesberger, Founder and CEO, Liberty International Tourism Group; Mo Gawdat, Founder, One Billion Happy; Stephane Lefebvre, President, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group; Luis Maroto, CEO, Amadeus; and Julia Simpson CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC); and Thomas Woldbye, CEO, Heathrow Airport. The inaugural TOURISE Awards were also announced today – a stand-out recognition program celebrating destination excellence across the global tourism ecosystem. The awards will spotlight notable achievements in sustainability, digital transformation, inclusive tourism, cultural preservation, and workforce development. Nomination submissions will open on June 2, and award winners will be announced on the opening night of the TOURISE Summit. TOURISE builds on Saudi Arabia's growing role as a core contributor and driver in the global tourism landscape alongside major industry organizations including UN Tourism, WTTC, and the World Economic Forum (WEF). In 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia hit its Vision 2030 target of 100 million visitors annually, seven years early and the tourism sector contributed almost 5% to the national GDP, second only to oil production. This underscores Saudi Arabia's rising influence and long-term commitment to supporting tourism as a driver of global progress and growth. In building TOURISE with global partners – from multilateral institutions to private sector leaders – Saudi Arabia will ensure its leadership will deliver worldwide impact. To register your interest and become part of the platform shaping the next chapter of global tourism, visit View source version on Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
