List of Top 10 Biggest Tourism Economies In 2024–25

The global travel and tourism sector is not just recovering; it’s rewriting economic records. In a stunning display of resilience and renewed consumer confidence, the industry contributed a staggering US$10.9 trillion to the world economy in 2023. Projections for 2024–25 indicate an even more robust performance, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasting a continued upward trajectory. This powerful resurgence comes despite the lingering shadows of the pandemic and contemporary challenges like climate pressures and localized tourism fatigue.

The WTTC’s “2024 Economic Impact Trends Report” paints a vibrant picture of an industry in full throttle. Looking further ahead, the World Economic Forum (WEF) amplifies this optimism, predicting the sector will burgeon into a $16 trillion industry by 2034, accounting for over 11 percent of the global GDP. This remarkable growth underscores the pivotal role of travel and tourism as a primary engine of economic prosperity and job creation worldwide.

The Titans of Tourism: A Look at the Top 10 Economies

A familiar powerhouse retains its crown as the United States continues to dominate the global tourism landscape. With an unprecedented economic contribution of $2.36 trillion in 2024, it stands in a league of its own, nearly doubling the contribution of its closest competitor. This commanding lead is a testament to the sheer scale and diversity of its tourism offerings, attracting both domestic and international visitors in massive numbers.

Following in the second position is China, with a formidable contribution of $1.3 trillion. The WTTC projects that within the next decade, China is on track to dethrone the U.S. and claim the top spot, a shift that will reshape the global tourism dynamics.

The 2024-25 rankings reveal a mix of established European destinations and rising Asian powerhouses. Germany holds strong in third place with a contribution of $487.6 billion, showcasing the enduring appeal of its cultural and historical attractions. A remarkable ascent is seen for Japan, which has climbed to the fourth position, contributing $297 billion as it reaps the benefits of a tourism boom.

The United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain continue to be mainstays in the top 10, a reflection of their deep-rooted tourism infrastructure and timeless allure.

List of the world’s top 10 biggest tourism economies for 2024–25, according to the WTTC Economic Impact Research:

Rank	Country	Economic Contribution (US$, billion)
1	United States	$2,360
2	China	$1,300
3	Germany	$487.6
4	Japan	$297
5	United Kingdom	$295.2
6	France	$264.7
7	Mexico	$261.6
8	India	$231.6
9	Italy	$231.3
10	Spain	$227.9

The Indian Surge: A New Giant Awakens

India’s ascent in the global tourism rankings is one of the most compelling stories of 2024. The nation has climbed to the eighth position with a substantial economic contribution of $231.6 billion, a significant jump from its previous tenth position. This upward mobility highlights India’s growing prominence on the world tourism map.

Fueling this growth is a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, exemplified by its 42 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, placing it sixth globally for the number of such prestigious recognitions. The diversity of its landscapes, from the Himalayan peaks to the sun-drenched beaches of the south, offers a vast spectrum of experiences for every type of traveler.

The WTTC is particularly bullish on India’s future, forecasting that it will leap to the fourth position within the next decade. This projection is buoyed by a burgeoning middle class with increasing disposable income for travel, coupled with significant government investment in tourism infrastructure and a renewed focus on promoting a wide array of tourism products, from spiritual and wellness tourism to adventure and eco-tourism.

Emerging Hotspots and Shifting Tides

Beyond the top 10, the global tourism map is being redrawn by a host of dynamic and rapidly growing economies. Asian nations such as Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, and the Philippines are fast emerging as regional powerhouses, attracting significant investment and visitor numbers.

A noteworthy trend is the dramatic surge in international tourism spending in several countries compared to pre-pandemic levels. Saudi Arabia leads this charge with an incredible 91.3% increase, a direct result of its ambitious Vision 2030 plan which heavily features tourism development. Other nations experiencing a significant influx of international tourist dollars include Türkiye (+38.2%), Kenya (+33.3%), Colombia (+29.1%), and Egypt (+22.9%), signaling a diversification of global travel interests.

As the world fully embraces post-pandemic travel, the economic impact of tourism is set to reach new heights. While traditional destinations continue to thrive, the rapid emergence of new and resurgent economies promises a more diverse and dynamic future for the global travel and tourism industry.