The sector continues to grow, but faces at least 3 strong challenges at a global level

This year, the Travel and Tourism sector globally is preparing to continue growing: It is estimated that the sector will contribute US$11 billion to the world economy according to the forecast managed by the World Tourism Council (WTTC), the organization that brings together the most important companies in the private sector.

The data, among others, was one of the triggers for the summit that the organization is holding in the city of Perth, on the west coast of Australia, where its 24th world summit is taking place, in which representatives from more than 70 countries participate. countries. But amid the good projections, some questions also arise about the strong challenges that the industry must face to continue on the right path.

The resilience of the activity, sustainable growth, new technologies and the new challenges of Tourism in a context of permanent changes in demand, They are the topics on the agenda.

Regarding the impact of the sector on the global economy, the data presented during the first part of the conference showed that Last year, the contribution of travel and tourism to global GDP reached US$9.9 trillion, just 4% below the sector’s peak in 2019.

In Argentina, according to these records, The tourism sector represented -in 2023- 8.8% of the economy. This was 9.4% more than in 2019.

According to Julia Simpson, president and CEO of the WTCC, “This year, Tourism is going to break all records”he pointed out when providing the data of the contribution to the world economy. On the other hand, the directive raised the issue of tax contribution for governments from the direct taxes paid by companies involved in the activity and which is equivalent to 9.6% of total tax revenues globally.

According to Simpson, however, there is still there is much left to do. “We need the support of governments for the development of sustainable fuels for our transportation. Also, he asked “that Governments use tax revenue to build roads and schools. Although also we need some of that money to invest in decarbonization of our infrastructure and the expansion of renewable energies”said.

As part of the first activities of this edition, the WTTC released the latest data from its environmental and social research on the environmental footprint of the tourism sector at a global level, in which, It is revealed that in 2023 the sector represented 6.7% of all emissions worldwideup from 7.8% in 2019, when the sector peaked.

In 2023, global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions were 12% lower than the 2019 peak, and the intensity of emissions per unit of GDP fell 8.4% during this period, it was reported.

On the other hand, the Global Leaders Dialogue (GLD) was held, in which government officials and industry leaders They discussed strategies to foster long-term sustainable growth in the sector.

The session highlighted specific areas in which you can invest to take advantage of the full potential of the sector. These areas included technology integration, sustainable practices and infrastructure development.

Before the event ends, US Secretary John Kerry, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and leaders of some of the most influential travel companies in the world are also expected to be part of the event. The agenda will explore critical topics such as destination management, the impact of AI and the critical role of Aboriginal tourism in fostering regenerative travel.