Tourism in Perspective - Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies - page 18

Tourism
Studies

Geography of
Tourism

Geography

Figure 1.3 Disciplinary

inputs to the tourism field.
Adapted from Jafar Jafari, University
of Wisconsin-Stout, Studyof
Tourism:ChoicesofDisciplineand
Approach.

Department
or Discipline

Tourism Course

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has been measuring the economic impact of travel and
tourism for the world, regions, and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
countries since 1991. In 1992, the WTTC released its first estimates indicating that travel and tourism
(T&T) is one of the world

is largest industries and a generator of quality jobs. The WTTC continues its
measurement efforts; Table 1.1 shows its most recent world estimates for 2010 and forecasts for 2020.
In 2010, the global travel and tourism industry was expected to generate $5.75 trillion of economic
activity and more than 235.8 million jobs (direct and indirect). Travel and tourism is projected to grow
to $11.15 trillion of economic activity and over 303.0 million jobs by 2020.
Globally in 2010, the travel and tourism economy (direct and indirect) employment is estimated at
235,758,000 jobs, 8.1 percent of total employment, or 1 in every 12.3 jobs. By 2020, this should total
303,019,000 jobs, 9.2 percent of total employment, or 1 in every 10.9 jobs. The world travel
and tourism economy

'

is contribution to gross domestic product is expected to total 9.2 percent
($5.75 trillion) in 2010 and rise to 9.6 percent ($11.2 trillion) in 2020.
The economic figures cited show that tourism has grown to be an activity of worldwide importance
and signi cance. For a number of countries, tourism is the largest commodity in international trade. In

'