by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 11:15 AM ET, Mon September 11, 2023
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Hotelbeds shared insights at an event called “Global Trends in the Tourism Sector,” in the growing Spanish destination of Palma de Mallorca.
The global travel and tourism industry grew 22 percent in 2022 alone as pandemic restrictions were lifted and travelers began traveling internationally. Spain’s tourism economy has grown, with projections expecting the industry to contribute to 14.6 percent of the country’s economy.
The two CEOs, Julia Simpson of WTTC and Nicolas Huss of Hotelbeds, also underscored the importance of the industry’s shift from corporate to leisure travel, as 88 percent of travel spending in Spain is from the leisure travel segment.
Hotelbeds predictions for the future of travel include bleisure travel, including remote working trends; sustainably minded travel choices, especially by the younger generations; and more personalized travel experiences and technologies.
“As we come to an end for the summer season, we should reflect and celebrate what the sector has achieved this year,” said Huss. “The strong commitment of companies throughout the tourism ecosystem to work together with external partners, including those in the innovation sphere, will be critical to ensure Travel & Tourism continues to thrive.”
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