A $401 Billion Opportunity for Global Economic Growth

A World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and SITA report highlights the potential for smarter border management to significantly boost the global economy by $401 billion and create 14 million new jobs by 2035. By adopting digital technologies and modernizing visa policies, countries can enhance security, improve tourism, and strengthen economic competitiveness.

A recent report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in collaboration with SITA has unveiled the transformative potential of smarter border management. The report, titled “Better Borders,” suggests that by 2035, the global economy could see an addition of $401 billion in GDP and the creation of 14 million new jobs across G20, EU, and African Union nations. This potential growth highlights the importance of embracing digital technologies and implementing smarter visa policies to modernize border management.

The Strategic Imperative of Modern Borders

The WTTC and SITA report emphasizes that with the travel and tourism sector projected to reach $16.5 trillion in global GDP by 2035, accounting for 12.5% of the global workforce, border modernization is becoming a strategic necessity. The report outlines six key principles and 18 recommended actions to make travel more seamless and secure. Key recommendations include the digitalization of visas and travel authorizations, the adoption of digital identities, and the use of biometric technologies to streamline border processes.

Government Cooperation and Technological Integration

The report advocates for enhanced cooperation among tourism, security, and finance ministries. It suggests pre-clearing travelers before arrival to reduce border congestion and building direct digital relationships with travelers to improve communication and trust. Gloria Guevara, WTTC Interim CEO, highlighted the role of technology in achieving stronger borders and smoother travel. She emphasized the benefits of digital identities, biometrics, and advanced data systems in making journeys faster and more secure.

Data-Driven Border Management

Pedro Alves, Senior Vice President, Border at SITA, stressed the importance of dynamic, integrated, and seamless borders. He pointed out that the transformation relies heavily on the ability to trust identity data, which allows governments to move faster and allocate resources more effectively. Alves noted that high-quality data is crucial not only for national security but also for enhancing tourism, trade, and the traveler experience.

Global Success Stories

The report cites examples from countries like the U.S., UAE, and Australia, which are already benefiting from digital transformation in border management. The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) employs biometric facial comparison technology across 238 airports to process travelers efficiently. The UAE has leveraged AI to reduce visa processing times, while Australia uses SmartGates with facial recognition technology to expedite border clearance.

Traveler Preferences and Future Prospects

The report highlights that 75% of travelers prefer biometric processes over manual ones, and 85% are willing to share data in advance for a faster experience. WTTC and SITA urge governments to act promptly in developing “Better Borders,” striking a balance between security and seamless travel to unlock economic, social, and reputational benefits. The report calls for immediate action to capitalize on the opportunities presented by modern border management.

For more information, download the Better Border report here.