Travel and tourism have become powerful engines of economic growth across the world. The latest report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) shows that the United States remained the world’s most powerful tourism economy, contributing a record-breaking $2.36 trillion to its national GDP of $30 trillion. China, despite its late reopening to the world, came second with $1.3 trillion in tourism contribution, which accounts for about 6.8% of its $19 trillion GDP. According to the WTTC, over the next decade, China will become the biggest Travel & Tourism market.
Germany followed in third place with a $487 billion tourism contribution, making up about 10.4% of its $4.7 trillion economy. While the United States and China dominate in total dollar terms, Germany sees an even higher percentage of its economy coming from tourism. Other countries such as Japan, UK, France, and India also take a uch bigger share of their GDp from tourism.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. remains the top tourism economy, with tourism making up nearly 8% of its massive $30 trillion GDP.
- Asia is on the rise among tourism economies, with China, Japan, and India all playing major roles and showing strong contributions relative to their GDPs.
The World’s Top 10 Tourism Economies
The following table shows the economic contribution of the top ten countries to their national GDP from travel and tourism.
| Rank | Country | Economic Contribution (US$) | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇺🇸 United States | $2.36 trillion | North America |
| 2 | 🇨🇳 China | $1.3 trillion | Asia |
| 3 | 🇩🇪 Germany | $487.6 billion | Europe |
| 4 | 🇯🇵 Japan | $297 billion | Asia |
| 5 | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | $295.2 billion | Europe |
| 6 | 🇫🇷 France | $264.7 billion | Europe |
| 7 | 🇲🇽 Mexico | $261.6 billion | North America |
| 8 | 🇮🇳 India | $231.6 billion | Asia |
| 9 | 🇮🇹 Italy | $231.3 billion | Europe |
| 10 | 🇪🇸 Spain | $227.9 billion | Europe |
The data is sourced from the World Travel & Tourism Council.
🇺🇸 United States — $2.36 trillion
The United States leads the world in tourism economies, with $2.36 trillion coming from travel and tourism. It is equal to nearly 8% of the entire US GDP of approximately $30 trillion. The U.S. tourism economy is larger than most countries’ entire GDP. Visitors are drawn to its wide variety of attractions — from the skyscrapers of New York City to the magical worlds of Disneyland and Universal Studios.
Natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes make it a dream place for nature lovers. additionally, America’s strong domestic travel culture also helps support the sector.
🇨🇳 China — $1.3 trillion
Tourism contribute $1.3 trillion or about 6.8% of China’s $19 trillion GDP. Despite reopening its borders later than other nations, China’s rich cultural heritage and incredible natural landscapes continue to attract millions of visitors every year.
The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and modern marvels like Shanghai’s skyline represent China’s diverse tourism landscape. Domestic travel also plays an important role in China’s tourism industry, with millions exploring their own country.
🇩🇪 Germany — $487.6 billion
Germany ranks third and contribute approximately $487 billion, or about 10 % of its GDP. Europe’s open borders and Germany’s central location play a key role in shaping the country’s tourism industry. Germany has historical sites, cultural events, and beautiful countryside that attract millions of visitors each year. Visitors flock to Berlin for its history, Munich for Oktoberfest, and the fairy-tale castles of Bavaria.
🇯🇵 Japan — $297 billion
Japan climbed to fourth place with $297 billion from tourism, making up about 7% of its entire $4 trillion GDP. The country offers cherry blossoms in spring, peaceful temples and shrines, advanced technology in Tokyo, and the culinary delights of sushi and ramen.
Japan’s mix of modern and traditional cultural sites and events, like the summer festivals and the winter ski season in Hokkaido, further boosts its tourism appeal.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — $295.2 billion
The United Kingdom contributed approximately $295 billion to its economy through tourism. Travel and tourism plays a key role in the United Kingdom, especially in London, one of the world’s most visited cities. Additionally, Scotland’s castles, the historic city of Bath, and the scenic Lake District all showcase the diversity of UK’s Tourism spots.
🇫🇷 France — $264.7 billion
France contributes about $264 billion to its economy. As the world’s most visited country, France is known for Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. Beyond Paris, lavender fields in Provence, wine tasting in Bordeaux, and the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera are also important tourism spots in the country.
🇲🇽 Mexico — $261.6 billion
Mexico’s tourism economy thrives on beach destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen and archaeological sites such as Chichen Itza. American travelers, in particular, visit Mexico frequently due to proximity and lower costs compared to European destinations.
🇮🇳 India — $231.6 billion
Tourism contributes approximately $231.6 billion in India, which is about 5.5% of its $4.19 trillion GDP. India’s tourism economy is incredibly diverse, with everything from the snowy Himalayas to tropical beaches in Goa. Additionally, historical and spiritual landmarks like the Taj Mahal, Varanasi’s ghats, and Jaipur’s palaces attract millions of visitors every year.
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🇮🇹 Italy — $231.3 billion
Italy’s tourism contribution to its GDP stood at $231 billion. Rome’s ruins, Venice’s canals, Florence’s art treasures, and the coastal beauty of Amalfi all play a key role in uplifting Italy’s tourism economy.
🇪🇸 Spain — $227.9 billion
Spain is known for its sunny beaches, lively festivals like La Tomatina and Running of the Bulls. The country has rich historic cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, which attract millions of visitors in Spain. Additionally, Spanish food, with its tapas and paella, along with its vibrant nightlife, make it a beautiful tourist spot.
Conclusion
The U.S. remains the undisputed leader in tourism economies, but other nations are catching up in different ways. Europe’s stronghold continues with Germany, France, and the UK. Germany has an even higher share at over 10% of its GDP comes from tourism. Additionally, countries like China and India are quickly expanding their tourism industry and are becoming major tourism players in Asia.
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