Investments in the leisure industry: A topic for discussion at ITB 2025

By TTC Editorial Staff

Statistics indicate that the number of international tourist arrivals has returned to pre-pandemic figures and that tourism export earnings have reached record levels.

The recovery of international tourism in 2024 highlights the sector’s potential to induce change. With 1.4 billion international tourists registered worldwide and total tourism export revenues exceeding a record US$1.9 trillion, up 3% on 2019, this momentum is expected to continue in 2025. Expected growth could be between 3% and 5% in international tourist arrivals.

UN Tourism specifies that between 2019 and 2024, 2,242 foreign direct investment projects were announced in the global tourism sector, with an expected value of US$122.1 billion (an average of US$54.4 million per project), which is expected to result in the creation of more than 295,000 jobs.

The data undoubtedly attests to the resilience of the sector and its ability to drive economic growth, and could channel resources into tourism to ensure that it remains a driver of sustainable development and peacebuilding. Prioritizing investments is no longer an option, but an imperative.

According to the international organization, the sector stands out for its uniqueness in fostering inclusive growth, creating links between communities and generating opportunities, even in the most challenging environments. When communities are integrated into the tourism value chain, they derive tangible benefits that defuse conflict and promote cooperation. Investments in tourism infrastructure, services and destinations not only bring economic benefits, but also forge the foundations that support social cohesion and resilience.

“Strategic investment in tourism infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and destination development will not only attract private-sector participation but also lay the groundwork for long-term economic resilience,” a UN Tourism press release emphasizes. “By fostering partnerships across borders, integrating local communities into the tourism economy, and ensuring that investments align with global sustainability goals, decision-makers can harness tourism as a force for good,” it continues.

In line with these ideas, the high-level ministerial discussion that will take place at ITB 2025 will have as its theme “Enhancing Investment, Ensuring Peace: Harnessing Growth, Shaping the Future.” The aim: to provide decision-makers, opinion leaders and investors with a unique space in which to discuss the opportunities and pressing challenges facing the tourism sector.

Participants are expected to examine viable solutions, foster cross-border partnerships and recognize the crucial role of governments when it comes to ensuring that tourism investments remain an engine of economic resilience, peace and sustainability.