The global travel and tourism industry is set to generate one in every eight new jobs worldwide over the next decade, adding a staggering 460 million positions by 2035. The Middle East particularly the UAE and Dubai is leading this growth, reinforcing its status as a top destination for business and leisure travel.
This forecast was revealed in the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Report, presented by Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, during a virtual meeting from Brussels. The report, developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, highlights the sector’s rapid recovery and future potential.
Travel & Tourism Job Boom
- 460 million new jobs are expected by 2035—12.5% of global employment.
- The industry will contribute $11.7 trillion to global GDP (up 7.34% from 2024).
- Middle East is among the fastest-growing regions, with UAE’s aviation sector alone set to add 185,000 jobs in five years.
UAE & Dubai: Driving Global Tourism Growth
Aviation & Hospitality Expansion
- Emirates Group & Dubai Airports forecast 185,000 new aviation jobs by 2029, including pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff.
- Etihad Airways plans to hire hundreds of pilots to support fleet expansion.
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) continues breaking passenger records, solidifying its role as a global aviation hub.
Economic Impact
- The Middle East’s travel sector added $342 billion to global GDP in 2024.
- Simpson praised Dubai’s adaptability: “Dubai Airport keeps reinventing itself… the Middle East is galloping ahead.”
Global Travel Trends Shaping the Industry
1. Business Travel Surpasses Expectations
- Full recovery a year earlier than projected, with conferences and deal-making at all-time highs.
- “Even in troubled times, people are flying to do business,” said Simpson.
2. Luxury & Wellness Tourism on the Rise
- High demand for longevity-focused and well-being travel experiences.
- Ultra-luxury resorts and medical tourism gaining traction.
3. Demand for Authentic & Nature-Based Travel
- Post-pandemic, travelers still seek off-the-beaten-track experiences.
- Growing interest in local cultures, eco-tourism, and sustainable travel.
4. Multi-Generational & Solo Travel Growth
- Three generations traveling together is a rising trend.
- Single women over 64 traveling alone represent a fast-growing market.
FAQ
How many jobs will travel and tourism create by 2035?
460 million new jobs globally, accounting for 1 in 8 jobs worldwide.
What is Dubai’s role in this growth?
Dubai’s aviation sector alone will add 185,000 jobs, with DXB leading as a global hub.
What are the biggest travel trends right now?
Business travel recovery, luxury wellness trips, nature tourism, and multi-generational travel dominate the market.
Conclusion
The UAE and Dubai are at the forefront of the industry’s expansion, with record-breaking aviation growth and innovative tourism strategies. As global travel rebounds stronger than ever, the sector is poised to become a $11.7 trillion economic powerhouse by 2035.
