Today, WTTC CEO & President Gloria Guevara joined Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and Csaba Domotor, State Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, in the opening ceremony of the official UNTWO World Tourism Day celebration in Budapest, Hungary.

Today celebrates a sector that contributes 10.4% of the world’s GDP and generates 313 million jobs. In terms of GDP growth, the Travel & Tourism industry has outpaced the global economy by 4.6% for the seventh successive year. This year’s celebration brought together industry leaders and members of government to discuss Tourism and the Digital Transformation.

“I am grateful to my industry peers who have realised the impact of technology, and want to thank UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili for prioritising this issue as we work together to harness innovation and digital advances.

“Technology has changed the way we travel and WTTC Members are powering travel. In one day, there are 15 million Uber rides, 15.2 million Trip Advisor visits, and 22.5 million visits to Expedia sites.

“Our industry needs to maximise the power of technology and innovation to increase the benefits of Travel & Tourism. By capitalising on this opportunity, we can create more jobs and ensure growth is sustainable and inclusive,” commented Guevara.

IATA reported 4.1 billion passengers were flown in 2017, a new record, with a promising forecast to reach 7.8 billion passengers by 2036 worldwide. At the same time, the UNWTO anticipates a rise in international visitor arrivals from 1.3 billion in 2017 to 1.8 billion by 2030. Travel & Tourism’s GDP grew 50% more than the world economy in 2017 at 4.6% and the projections indicate that Travel & Tourism will continue to outpace global economy growth in the future.

Guevara continued, “We have the potential to double the number of air passengers and increase the number of travellers around the world. Travel & Tourism is the best partner for growth, and our recently published Country Power and Performance report illustrates the economic impact our sector has on 185 countries.

“I am delighted to be in Hungary, where we have had a great opportunity to celebrate the hugely positive impact that our sector makes to the world. I look forward to seeing you in Seville, Spain at our 2019 Global Summit where WTTC will bring together Heads of Government, CEOs and Tourism Policymakers to raises awareness of the global, social and economic role of Travel & Tourism and debate the biggest challenges for our industry.”