Knowledge documents
18 July 2025
WEF Report Highlights Transformative Pathways for the Future of Travel and Tourism Industry
Knowledge documents
18 July 2025
Adventure tourism
Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism
Cultural tourism
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World Economic Forum (WEF) has unveiled its 2025 insight report, “Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth,” developed in collaboration with Kearney. This comprehensive report provides a roadmap for the travel and tourism sector, which is projected to contribute a staggering $16 trillion to the global GDP by 2034.
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World Economic Forum
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Specific types of tourism
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Adventure tourism
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Coastal, maritime and inland water tourism
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Cultural tourism
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Ecotourism
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Education tourism
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Festival tourism
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Gastronomy tourism
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Health and medical tourism
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MICE tourism
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Mountain tourism
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Religious tourism
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Rural tourism
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Sports tourism
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Urban/city tourism
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Wellness tourism
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Transition Pathway Strategic Areas
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Accessible tourism services
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Changes in tourism demand and opportunities
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Circularity of tourism services
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Governance of tourism destinations
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Green Transition of Tourism Companies and SMEs
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Innovative tourism services
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R&I on climate-friendly tourism
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Tourism strategies
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Business activities
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Activities of amusement parks and theme parks
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Activities of associations and other organisations supporting tourism
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Air passenger transport
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Camping grounds, recreational vehicle parks and trailer parks
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Events catering and other food services
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Festivals, cultural and entertainment activities
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Gardens and nature reserves activities
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Holiday Housing / Apartments and other short stay accommodation
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Hotel and similar accommodation
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Mobile beverage services
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Mobile food services
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Museums
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Operation of historical sites
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Other
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Other accommodation
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Other amusement and recreation activities
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Other food and beverage services
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Other holiday reservation services
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Other tourism transportation activities
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Rail Passenger transport
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Recreational and sport activities
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Restaurants, cafes and bars (Food and Beverage serving activities)
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Road passenger transport
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Tour operator activities
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Travel agency activities
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Water (sea, coastal and inland) passenger transport
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The report, with significant contributions from GSTC CEO Randy Durband, emphasizes the need for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient transformation of the industry. As the sector braces for 30 billion tourist visits worldwide, stakeholders are being called upon to address accompanying responsibilities and challenges.
Key Highlights:
Demographic Shifts: Growing middle classes in India and China, along with Millennial and Gen Z travelers, are reshaping global travel demands.
Tech Integration: AI and connectivity are transforming travel. The report calls for ethics in data privacy and equitable access.
Environmental Impact: The sector must adopt regenerative practices to reduce its ecological footprint.
Workforce Development: Addressing labor shortages and skill gaps is crucial for sustainability.
SME Support: The report emphasizes support for small enterprises and waste management strategy, as tourist waste could reach 205 million tonnes annually by 2034.
The WEF outlines ten principles for transformative growth, advocating for responsible innovation and community empowerment. For full insights, access the original report.
#Sustainable tourism #Resilient tourism #Ethical travel #Cultural heritage
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