A newly released white paper by TOURISE and Oxford Economics projects that international travel will surpass 2 billion arrivals by 2030, emphasizing the need for strategic investments in infrastructure, policy, and accessibility to sustain this growth.
TOURISE, in collaboration with Oxford Economics, has published a white paper titled “Growth Amid Uncertainty: Opportunities and Risks on the Road to 2 Billion Global Travellers.” Released during the inaugural TOURISE Summit, this document addresses the opportunities and risks the tourism industry will face in the coming years. It provides a framework for policymakers, destination leaders, and industry stakeholders to enhance the sector’s resilience against global disruptions and promote long-term sustainability.
Resilience as a Core Principle
The white paper emphasizes resilience as a crucial principle for tourism development in today’s world, characterized by geopolitical shifts, climate challenges, and evolving traveler expectations. His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Chairman of TOURISE, highlighted the sector’s need to evolve and remain resilient. The document offers guidance on how the global tourism sector can navigate future challenges, aiming for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Data-Driven Planning
The report stresses the importance of data-driven planning and forward-looking policies. Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, stated that resilience in tourism starts with clarity derived from robust data. The white paper provides a roadmap for navigating uncertainty, enabling destinations to make informed decisions and invest with confidence.
Projected Growth and Trends
According to the report, international arrivals are expected to increase from 1.5 billion today to 2 billion by 2030. This growth is partly driven by changing traveler preferences, with a shift towards experiential value over cost. Tourists are increasingly seeking immersive, culturally authentic experiences, which contribute to longer stays and higher per-trip spending.
Strategic Investments
To meet the anticipated demand, destinations are encouraged to adopt strategies such as open visa regimes, traveler-centric policies, and forward-looking infrastructure. These measures are projected to help destinations capture a forecasted 40% increase in global travel demand by 2030.
Conclusion
This joint initiative by TOURISE and Oxford Economics reflects a commitment to fostering a resilient, data-informed tourism sector prepared to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The full white paper is available for download at TOURISE.com.
Read the whitepaper.
