WTTC’s latest Environmental & Social Research shows global travel and tourism growing beyond pre-pandemic GDP levels while cutting emissions intensity, creating jobs, and expanding its positive social and economic impact.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in partnership with Oman’s Omran, has released its Environmental & Social Research (ESR) 2025, highlighting how the sector is achieving economic growth alongside reductions in emissions intensity and increasing its social impact.
According to WTTC data, travel and tourism’s global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2024 were 9.3% lower than in 2019, when the sector was at its peak. The industry now accounts for 7.3% of total global emissions, down from 8.3% in 2019. At the same time, the sector’s GDP contribution reached $10.9 trillion in 2024, 6% higher than the pre-pandemic record of $10.3 trillion in 2019.
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This reflects a 15% reduction in emissions intensity – emissions per unit of economic output – driven by efficiency gains, a 16.6% increase in low-carbon energy adoption, and a 5.7% reduction in fossil fuel use.
WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara said: “This is clear evidence that Travel & Tourism can grow while reducing its environmental impact. But we need to continue to accelerate action. Our data shows that 40% of our emissions lie in transport, and a further 19% in purchased electricity. We also know that 57.4% of our emissions lie in our supply chain. We must double down on sustainable fuels, renewable energy, and low-carbon infrastructure, and key to achieving this is effective public-private partnerships.”
She stressed the importance of scaling sustainable fuels, renewable energy, and low-carbon infrastructure through stronger public-private partnerships.
Social impact: women and youth at the forefront
The sector continues to play a key role in global employment. In 2024, it supported one in 10 jobs worldwide. Employment for women rose to 126 million – 6.3 million more than the previous year and 4.3 million above 2019 levels. Youth employment also grew by 2.3 million in 2024, surpassing pre-pandemic figures. With 15.7% of direct jobs in travel and tourism filled by young people, the sector outperforms the wider economy, where youth hold 13.7% of jobs.
Dr. Hashil Al Mahrouqi, CEO of Oman Tourism Development Company, said: “At OMRAN Group, we are proud to partner with WTTC as its Sustainability Data Partner, reinforcing Oman’s commitment to sustainable tourism development. This collaboration allows us to bring robust data and insights to the global stage, helping shape evidence-based strategies that balance economic growth with sustainability leadership.
“We see this partnership as a catalyst to accelerate our own sustainability agenda, inspire our partners, and contribute to global efforts in its move towards sustainable tourism and empowering local communities.”
“Travel & Tourism is driving positive change across economies and societies,” added Guevara. “From creating high-quality jobs to reducing our share of global emissions, our sector is proving it can be both resilient and responsible. With the right partnerships, the sector will continue to be a force for good for people, planet, and prosperity.”
Fiscal contribution: robust revenues for governments
WTTC reported that in 2024, the sector generated $3.5 trillion in tax revenues, up from $3.3 trillion in 2019 – a 6.1% increase and equivalent to 10% of global government revenues. The Council urged policymakers to recognize this contribution before imposing new tourism-specific taxes and to ensure revenues are reinvested in local communities and infrastructure.