The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has projected that USD 12.5 trillion in Travel and Tourism capital investment will shape the competitiveness and economic growth of major economies through 2035.
The projection comes from WTTC’s latest report, Bridging the Gap: Travel & Tourism Capital Investment and Demand Growth Across the G20, produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics and launched at ITB Berlin in Berlin, Germany.
According to the report, Travel and Tourism demand across the G20 economies and Spain is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.3 per cent over the next decade. Capital investment in the sector is forecast to expand at a stronger annual rate of 4.6 per cent during the same period.
Despite the higher projected growth rate in investment, the report highlights a short-term imbalance between demand and capital expenditure. In the near term, the recovery of investment is expected to lag behind the pace of demand growth. This divergence could create temporary capacity pressures, potentially resulting in infrastructure strain and localised overcrowding in popular tourism destinations.
The report indicates that this gap will begin to narrow later in the decade. From around 2033 onwards, capital investment is expected to exceed demand growth as long-term infrastructure development gains momentum.
Overall, Travel and Tourism investment across the G20 is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent between 2025 and 2035, compared with demand growth of 3.3 per cent during the same period.
Investment patterns also vary significantly across countries. Some economies are investing ahead of projected demand to strengthen long-term competitiveness. Germany is expected to invest USD 543 billion in Travel and Tourism infrastructure and development by 2035, reflecting an investment-to-demand growth ratio of 1.39.
Spain is also projected to make significant investments, committing approximately USD 349 billion to the sector. The country’s investment rate is expected to grow 1.46 times faster than tourism demand over the same period.
“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. Germany and Spain show how strategic, forward-looking investment can enhance connectivity and support jobs. As demand continues to expand, maintaining this momentum will be critical to ensuring sustainable growth across the G20.
“The report highlights that sustained, targeted infrastructure investment – including transport connectivity and sustainable upgrades – will be central to unlocking the sector’s full economic potential. WTTC calls for continued collaboration between governments and the private sector to ensure investment remains aligned with long-term demand trends and delivers measurable economic returns.”
The findings highlight the growing role of long-term infrastructure investment in supporting the expansion of global tourism demand and maintaining competitiveness among leading travel destinations.
