SINGAPORE, 9 October 2026: Travel & Tourism is forecast to grow 3.1% across Europe in 2026, continuing to outperform the wider economy and exceeding the sector’s 2.6% growth recorded last year, according to the latest research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), released at WTTC’s 26th Global Summit hosted in Valletta, Malta, 7 to 9 October.
The findings were presented to 1,000 delegates, including more than 200 travel and tourism CEOs and government leaders, attending WTTC’s annual summit.
WTTC’s latest outlook shows that, despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty, global travel and tourism is expected to grow by 2.5% in 2026, outpacing the wider global economy. Europe is forecast to perform even more strongly, with international visitor spending projected to increase by 5.8%, while leisure and business travel spending are expected to grow by 3.1% and 4.2%, respectively.
Travel & Tourism remains one of Europe’s most important economic sectors, supporting around one in 10 jobs across the region and creating opportunities for communities, businesses and destinations.
Globally, the sector contributed USD11.6 trillion to the economy last year, representing 9.8% of global GDP, and supported 366 million jobs – nearly one in every nine jobs worldwide.
Despite significant geopolitical challenges, WTTC expects the sector to grow 2.5% this year, outpacing the global economy.
In Europe, the outlook is even stronger, with Travel & Tourism forecast to grow 3.1% in 2026. This is a sector that is ready to invest and innovate, but governments must create the right conditions – enabling seamless travel, strengthening connectivity, developing talent and supporting sustainable growth. The choices made today will determine how much of this opportunity Europe captures.
(Source: WTTC)
