US$12.5 Trillion in Travel & Tourism Investment Drive to Shape G20 Competitiveness through 2035
Germany and Spain Lead as Global Demand Grows 3.3% Annually
Berlin, Germany – 10th March 2026: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled a groundbreaking report projecting 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.
The report, titled Bridging the Gap: Travel & Tourism Capital Investment and Demand Growth Across the G20, was launched at ITB Berlin in collaboration with Oxford Economics. It reveals that Travel & Tourism demand 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 forecasted capital investment growth, projected to rise at a robust 4.6% annually. However, the report emphasizes an urgent need to align this investment with immediate demand to ensure long-term resilience.
The Strategic Gap: Investing for Future Resilience
While the overall investment growth is anticipated to outpace demand, the timing of these investments is critical. In the short term, investment recovery is lagging behind demand, leading to a temporary divergence between the two. This gap could result in capacity pressures and localized overcrowding, placing a strain on existing tourist infrastructure.
However, the landscape is expected to shift around 2033, when investment is projected to exceed demand. From 2025 to 2035, overall investment is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6%, compared to a 3.3% growth rate for demand. This shift underscores the importance of strategic planning and timely investment in the sector.
Germany and Spain Leading the Investment
The investment landscape varies significantly among different economies. Some countries are emerging as “strategic modernisers,” investing ahead of future needs. Germany, for instance, plans to invest a remarkable $543 billion up to 2035. This translates to an investment-to-demand growth ratio of 1.39, reinforcing its position as a high-quality and resilient destination.
Spain is also making significant strides, committing $349 billion to its Travel & Tourism sector. This investment rate is 1.46 times faster than the anticipated demand growth between now and 2035, enhancing Spain’s competitiveness as a premier tourist destination.
Insights from WTTC Leadership
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, highlighted the significance of this investment landscape. She stated, “Travel & Tourism is entering a new decisive decade for infrastructure and competitiveness. Countries that align investment with future demand are strengthening their economic resilience and securing long-term growth.”
Guevara pointed out that Germany and Spain exemplify how strategic, forward-looking investments can enhance connectivity and support job creation. As demand continues to expand, maintaining this momentum will be crucial for ensuring sustainable growth across the G20.
The Role of Infrastructure Investment
The report emphasizes that sustained, targeted infrastructure investment—including transport connectivity and sustainable upgrades—will be central to unlocking the sector’s full economic potential. The WTTC calls for ongoing collaboration between governments and the private sector to ensure that investment remains aligned with long-term demand trends and delivers measurable economic returns.
In summary, the projected US$12.5 trillion investment in Travel & Tourism is not just a number; it represents a transformative opportunity for economies worldwide. As countries like Germany and Spain lead the charge, the focus on strategic investment will be vital for fostering resilience and competitiveness in the ever-evolving landscape of global travel and tourism.
