US$12.5 Trillion in Travel & Tourism Investment: Shaping G20 Competitiveness Through 2035
Berlin, Germany – 4th March 2026: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled a groundbreaking report that forecasts a staggering US$12.5 trillion in Travel & Tourism investment across major economies. This investment is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping competitiveness and driving economic growth through to 2035.
Growing Demand and Investment Trends
According to WTTC’s latest report, Bridging the Gap: Travel & Tourism Capital Investment and Demand Growth Across the G20, which was launched at ITB Berlin in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the demand for Travel & Tourism across the G20 and Spain is expected to grow at an impressive rate of 3.3% annually over the next decade. Even more striking is the projection that capital investment in the sector will rise at an even stronger rate of 4.6% annually.
However, the report emphasizes a critical need for alignment between this investment and immediate demand to ensure long-term resilience in the sector. The disparity between investment growth and demand could lead to capacity pressures and localized overcrowding, straining existing tourist infrastructure.
The Strategic Gap: Timing is Everything
While the overall investment growth is anticipated to outpace demand, the timing of these investments is crucial. In the short term, there is a risk of investment recovery lagging behind demand, which could create a temporary divergence between the two. This gap may lead to challenges in managing tourist flows and maintaining quality experiences for travelers.
Looking ahead, the landscape is expected to shift around 2033, when investment is projected to exceed demand. From 2025 to 2035, investment is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%, compared to 3.3% for demand. This shift underscores the importance of strategic planning and foresight in investment decisions.
Germany and Spain: Leaders in Investment
The investment landscape varies significantly across different economies. Germany and Spain are emerging as “strategic modernisers,” investing proactively to meet future needs. Germany plans to allocate a remarkable $543 billion towards Travel & Tourism investments by 2035, achieving an investment-to-demand growth ratio of 1.39. This positions Germany as a high-quality, resilient destination, ready to accommodate future travelers.
Spain is not far behind, committing $349 billion to its Travel & Tourism sector. With an investment rate 1.46 times faster than demand, Spain is enhancing its competitiveness as a premier tourist destination.
Insights from WTTC Leadership
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, emphasized the significance of this investment wave. “Travel & Tourism is entering a new decisive decade for infrastructure and competitiveness,” she stated. “Countries that align investment with future demand are strengthening their economic resilience and securing long-term growth.”
Guevara highlighted that sustained, targeted infrastructure investment—particularly in transport connectivity and sustainable upgrades—will be crucial for unlocking the sector’s full economic potential. She called for ongoing collaboration between governments and the private sector to ensure that investments remain aligned with long-term demand trends, ultimately delivering measurable economic returns.
The Role of WTTC
The World Travel & Tourism Council serves as the global private sector voice of the Travel & Tourism industry. Its members include the leaders of the world’s foremost travel and tourism companies, spanning airlines, hotels, cruise lines, tour operators, and technology firms. WTTC works closely with governments and international institutions to drive sustainable growth, support exports, create jobs, and foster global prosperity.
For over three decades, WTTC has championed the economic and social contributions of Travel & Tourism. Through rigorous, data-driven research, the organization quantifies the sector’s impact on GDP, employment, exports, and broader societal benefits, helping to shape policies and raise awareness.
For more information about WTTC, please visit wttc.org.
For media inquiries, please contact Paul Charles, Philip Allport, or Rob Morris at The PC Agency via WTTC@pc.agency.
