The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called for stronger collaboration between governments and the private sector to improve the resilience of global Travel & Tourism, strengthen crisis preparedness and ensure the sector’s growth delivers long-term benefits for destinations and local communities.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary of the WTM London Ministers’ Summit, attended by more than 50 tourism ministers and senior government representatives, WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara highlighted the importance of coordinated action, leadership and preparedness amid growing global uncertainty.

Under the theme ‘Strengthening Tourism for a Resilient Future’, the summit brought together government and industry leaders to discuss shared challenges and identify priorities for the sector’s sustainable development.

Drawing on WTTC research covering more than 100 crises, including the September 11 attacks, the global financial crisis, geopolitical tensions, wars and the COVID-19 pandemic, Guevara described Travel & Tourism as one of the world's most resilient economic sectors, highlighting its ability to adapt and recover from major disruptions.

The sector contributed a record US$11.6 trillion to the global economy in 2025, equivalent to 9.8% of global GDP, while supporting 366 million jobs worldwide, or approximately one in every nine jobs.

Guevara outlined WTTC’s eight global strategic priorities, developed following several months of consultation involving more than 200 interviews with chief executives and industry leaders. Approved by the council’s Executive Committee, the priorities establish a shared agenda reflecting the perspectives of the global private sector.

The priorities include enabling safer and more seamless journeys through digital standards and biometric technologies; improving destination management and addressing overcrowding; advancing climate and environmental sustainability; and adopting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics.

Other priorities focus on strengthening crisis preparedness and recovery, expanding international connectivity and developing new travel corridors, supporting workforce development and talent retention, and introducing policies that encourage investment and create new growth opportunities.

Public-private collaboration at the centre of resilience

WTTC stressed that delivering these priorities will require closer cooperation between governments and businesses, particularly in preparing for potential disruptions before they occur.

Guevara said establishing partnerships in advance would allow stakeholders to share information, coordinate decisions and respond more effectively to crises, rather than relying on reactive measures once disruptions emerge.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of WTTC, said: “Travel & Tourism has shown time and again its extraordinary resilience, and that gives us a strong foundation to build on. When governments and the private sector plan together, we can anticipate challenges rather than simply respond to them. Our ambition goes beyond recovery: together, we can build a stronger, more resilient sector that protects our natural and cultural assets, creates opportunities for local communities and delivers long-term value for destinations around the world.”

The summit also highlighted the sector's growth prospects. WTTC forecasts that Travel & Tourism will contribute US$11.9 trillion to global GDP in 2026, marking another record and exceeding its 2025 contribution. The sector is also expected to expand faster than the wider global economy.

International arrivals are forecast to increase by 29.8 million in 2026, representing annual growth of 1.9%, reflecting continued demand for international travel.

WTTC said the challenge for governments and industry is to translate this growth into sustainable economic and social benefits by strengthening preparedness, protecting destinations and ensuring local communities participate in the opportunities generated by tourism.

Industry leaders reinforce call for cooperation

The Ministers’ Summit also featured contributions from prominent WTTC members, including Frank Rainieri, Founder and Chairman of Grupo Puntacana, and Hamza Farooqui, Founder and CEO of Millat Group.

Senior representatives from member companies also participated, including Rosana Morillo, Vice President of Government Affairs at MSC, and Rajiv Garodia, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Sales & Commercial Operations at Visa Government Solutions.

Their participation provided private-sector perspectives on the challenges facing tourism and reinforced the importance of coordinated approaches to strengthening competitiveness, resilience and sustainable growth.

Marking two decades of bringing together public- and private-sector leaders, the WTM London Ministers’ Summit continues to provide a platform for governments and industry representatives to exchange insights, establish partnerships and shape the future direction of global Travel & Tourism. -TradeArabia News Service