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World’s Top 10 Biggest Tourism Economies in 2025 List: Amid a strong post-pandemic recovery and despite challenges such as climate pressure and local tourism fatigue, the global travel and tourism sector contributed US$10.9 trillion to the world economy in 2023, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The WTTC’s 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report shows the industry on an upward trajectory, with the World Economic Forum (WEF) forecasting the sector to hit $16 trillion by 2034, representing over 11 per cent of global GDP.
As per the WTTC, the United States remains the world’s largest tourism economy in 2024, contributing an unprecedented $2.36 trillion, nearly double that of its closest competitor. China ranks second with $1.3 trillion, and is projected to become the global leader within the next decade. Japan, notably, climbs to fourth place with a $297 billion contribution.
While established players like Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain continue to hold strong positions in the top 10, Asian economies such as Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia, and the Philippines are fast emerging as regional tourism powerhouses.
Several countries have also seen significant jumps in international tourism spending compared to pre-pandemic levels. These include Saudi Arabia (+91.3 per cent), Türkiye (+38.2 per cent), Kenya (+33.3 per cent), Colombia (+29.1 per cent), and Egypt (+22.9 per cent).
| Rank | Country | Economic Contribution (US$, billion) |
| 1 | United States | $2,360B |
| 2 | China | $1,300B |
| 3 | Germany | $487.6B |
| 4 | Japan | $297B |
| 5 | United Kingdom | $295.2B |
| 6 | France | $264.7B |
| 7 | Mexico | $261.6B |
| 8 | India | $231.6B |
| 9 | Italy | $231.3B |
| 10 | Spain | $227.9B |
Source: WTTC Economic Impact Research (EIR)
India’s global position explained:
India has made notable progress, now ranking as the eighth-largest tourism economy worldwide with a contribution of $231.6 billion, up from its previous position of tenth. This advancement highlights the country’s increasing significance in the sector, with the WTTC forecasting a rise to fourth position within the next decade.
