Our shared vision 
for the future

We believe travel and tourism can unlock opportunity for all — driving sustainable growth, celebrating local cultures, and protecting the places that inspire us to explore.

By bringing together leaders across industries and regions, we aim to foster a more resilient, responsible, and inclusive travel and tourism ecosystem that enriches communities, expands opportunity, and safeguards our planet.

Harnessing The Sector's Unique Potential

Travel and tourism needs to transcend its traditional role, evolving into a steward of resilience, equity, prosperity, and cultural understanding that revitalizes environments and local communities.

Rebalancing Residents and Visitors

The sector must prioritize reconciliation between residents and visitors, ensuring both demographics have equitable access to opportunities, recreation, and essential services. 

Empowering Local Communities

Local communities need to be actively engaged with and benefit from the sector, including access to education, job opportunities, and improved quality of life.

Accelerating New Solutions

Innovation has the power to redefine traveler experiences while accelerating the adoption of sustainable practices across the sector and setting new benchmarks for responsible and mindful exploration.

Unparalleled potential

1.3 Billion

Number of international travelers in 2023

 350 Million

Number of people employed in the travel and tourism sector in 2024

$16 Trillion

Travel and tourism's projected contribution to the world economy by 2034

11%

The sector's projected percentage of global GDP 

10 Principles for Transformative Tourism










What leaders are saying

Endorsement of the Principles for Transformative Tourism.

"The travel and technology sector thrives on openness and collaboration. In travel, no single player can deliver a seamless journey alone. 

By embracing an ecosystem approach and leveraging technology, we can transform the travel experience into one that is more connected, sustainable, and traveler-centric."

Luis Maroto

President and CEO of Amadeus

"At APCO, we’ve seen that transformation begins with dialogue — and that trust is the foundation for meaningful progress. 

This is how we turn ambition into impact and ensure that tourism remains a bridge between people, cultures, and ideas."


Margery Kraus

Founder & Executive Chairman, APCO

"Investment is one of the strongest catalysts for transformation in travel and tourism. 

The Principles for Transformative Tourism provide an essential outlook on the pressing topics we must address collaboratively as a sector, where aligning capital, innovation, and purpose to drive meaningful and lasting impact is essential."

Greg O’Hara

Founder and Senior Managing Director, Certares

“Diriyah stands as a living example of how tourism can celebrate heritage while shaping the future. 

The Principles for Transformative Tourism reflect this same vision — that by honoring culture, empowering communities, and regenerating our environment, we can build destinations that inspire pride, connection, and lasting prosperity.” 

Jerry Inzerillo

Group Chief Executive Officer, Diriyah Company 

"Without mobility, there is no travel. At Europcar, we are redefining what responsible mobility means — making it smarter, cleaner, and more connected.

The Principles for Transformative Tourism align with this vision, calling for collaboration and accountability to shape a more sustainable future for global travel."

Sebastian Birkel

Chief Executive Officer, Europcar International

"Hospitality has the power to connect cultures and create lasting value for communities. At Hashoo Group, we are committed to nurturing talent, preserving local heritage, and advancing sustainable growth across the destinations we serve. 

The World Economic Forum’s Principles for Transformativ
e Tourism mirror this vision, calling on our industry to innovate responsibly and ensure that progress benefits both people and place."

Bastien Blanc

Chief Executive Officer, Hashoo Group

When vision and investment come together, tourism becomes a powerful force for transformation. At JLL, we help destinations unlock their full potential by aligning strategy, infrastructure, and innovation to deliver long-term value. 

The Principles for Transformative Tourism remind us that sustainable growth depends on collaboration and purpose-driven investment.

Dan Fenton

Managing Director, 
Global Tourism and Destination Advisory, JLL

“At Krause Group, we see how thoughtful investment across hospitality, real estate, and cultural assets can shape destinations and create long-term value for communities. 

As we continue to engage in placemaking and experiential development, it is clear that responsible growth depends on strong alignment between business, communities, and the environment. We therefore welcome the Principles for Transformative Tourism as a practical reference to support more sustainable and inclusive development across the sector.

Kyle Krause

Chief Executive Officer, Krause Group

"For Meliá, throughout our 70-year history, tourism has always been about creating shared value — for our guests, our people, and the destinations we call home. 

The Principles for Transformative Tourism reinforce this purpose, helping our industry move beyond growth alone toward regeneration, inclusion, and long-term sustainability."

Gabriel Escarrer

Executive Chairman and CEO, Meliá Hotels International

"People are at the heart of transformative tourism. We believe that investing in talent, skills, and education is the most powerful way to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth. 

The Principles for Transformative Tourism reflect this commitment to preparing a workforce ready to shape a better future for travel and hospitality."

Carlos Díez de la Lastra

Chief Executive Officer, Les Roches Global, 
on behalf of Sommet Education

"Hospitality is about creating genuine connections and experiences that matter. 

The World Economic Forum’s Principles for Transformative Tourism share that philosophy. They remind us that growth should strengthen communities, protect culture, and respect the places that welcome us."

Philip Barnes

Chief Executive Officer, Rotana

"Transformation starts with asking better questions. 

The Principles for Transformative Tourism remind our industry to look inward before moving forward."

Rafat Ali

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Skift

“At YayaWorks, we believe that the future of hospitality is built on empowering people through technology, not replacing them.

Creating meaningful guest experiences, expanding opportunities for hospitality professionals, and making high-quality service more accessible are essential to a stronger tourism industry. Beyond Tourism's principles reflect this vision of a more inclusive, resilient, and human-centered future for travel.”

Neha Jindal 

Chief Executive Officer, YAYA  Works

“Building a sustainable future for travel requires foresight, resilience, and partnership. The Principles for Transformative Tourism provide a blueprint for managing risk and creating shared value — ensuring that as the world explores more, we also protect more. 

Together, we can make tourism a catalyst for long-term security, inclusion, and sustainability.”

Cara Morton

Chief Executive Officer, Zurich Global Ventures 

Tourism is a key driver of South Africa’s economic and social progress. We are committed to building a tourism sector that is inclusive, resilient, and defined by shared prosperity. 

The World Economic Forum’s Principles for Transformative Tourism reaffirm this vision by encouraging collaboration across borders and sectors to ensure that growth benefits local communities, protects and celebrates our natural and cultural heritage, and creates lasting value and opportunity.

Hon. Patricia de Lille

Minister of Tourism, Republic of South Africa

“The Principles capture the spirit of transformation our sector needs — investing in a future-ready workforce, developing infrastructure for shared benefit, harnessing technology responsibly, and protecting the ecosystems that sustain us. 

Together, they show how tourism can unlock human potential, strengthen global connectivity, and advance sustainability as a shared responsibility.” 


H.E. Ahmed Al-Khateeb

Minister of Tourism, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia   

“Destination organizations are brand stewards, storytellers and catalysts for their communities. Their work goes far beyond attracting visitors — they foster local pride, purpose, welcoming and prosperity. 

The Principles for Transformative Tourism remind us that collaboration is the cornerstone of lasting impact and offer a valuable guide to advancing travel and tourism as a transformative force for economic, social and environmental progress.”


Don Welsh

President and Chief Executive Officer, Destinations International 

 

"Collaboration is at the heart of Europe’s leadership as the world’s top travel region. That success comes with responsibility and demands the highest standards of governance to ensure the well-being of our people and places. 


It is our duty to safeguard the sector’s future while responsibly managing its impacts. These Principles are fully aligned with this mission, and we look forward to continuing our joint efforts to advance sustainable and balanced development."


Eduardo Santander

CEO, European Travel Commission

"The Principles for Transformative Tourism align with our mission to ensure that sustainability sits at the core of tourism development. 

Through collective commitment and applying systematic approaches, we can advance travel and tourism as a true force for good — driving prosperity, inclusion, and environmental stewardship worldwide."


Randy Durband

Chief Executive Officer, Global Sustainable Tourism Council

"Tourism is the lifeblood of many island nations — both an opportunity and a responsibility. 

In Antigua and Barbuda, we are committed to advancing a tourism model that protects our environment, empowers our communities, and strengthens our economy, as reflected in these Principles."


Hon. Henry Charles Fernandez

Minister of Tourism, Investment, and Economic Development, Antigua and Barbuda

“The Kingdom of Bahrain is leveraging its tourism ecosystem as a catalyst for innovation, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. 

The Principles for Transformative Tourism align with our national vision and provide a vital framework for building a more resilient and responsible global tourism sector, one that enriches communities, protects heritage, and drives shared prosperity for present and future generations.”


H.E. Fatima Al Sairafi

Minister of Tourism, Kingdom of Bahrain 

“Tourism is a key driver of South Africa’s economic and social progress. We are committed to building a tourism sector that is inclusive, resilient, and defined by shared prosperity. 

The World Economic Forum’s Principles for Transformative Tourism reaffirm this vision by encouraging collaboration across borders and sectors to ensure that growth benefits local communities, protects and celebrates our natural and cultural heritage, and creates lasting value and opportunity.”


Hon. Patricia de Lille

Minister of Tourism, Republic of South Africa 

 

“The Asia Pacific region is one of the most dynamic in global travel, and our collective challenge is to turn this growth into a model of balance, equity, and long-term progress. 

At PATA, we are strengthening partnerships, fostering innovation, and empowering communities to shape a tourism sector that benefits all. The Principles for Transformative Tourism echo this vision, calling for collaboration and shared accountability in building a more resilient future for our industry.” 


Noor Ahmad Hamid

Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) 

"At the Royal Commission for AlUla, we are committed to developing a destination that celebrates culture and nature while driving innovation and opportunity for future generations. 

The Principles for Transformative Tourism echo this vision, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and long-term stewardship in shaping a more responsible and resilient global tourism landscape."


Abeer AlAkel

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla 

"Switzerland Tourism believes that real change in travel starts with responsibility for people, nature and economy. 

The Principles for Transformative Tourism reflect this vision as the pillars of a strong tourism future."


Martin Nydegger

CEO , Switzerland Tourism

“The Principles for Transformative Tourism reflect a shared commitment to building a tourism sector that delivers long-term value for people, places, and economies. At the Tourism Development Fund (TDF), we are accelerating responsible tourism investment and strengthening the sector’s ecosystem by enabling projects, investors, and entrepreneurs across Saudi Arabia. 

Empowering small and medium enterprises remains central to this transformation, as they drive innovation, enrich destinations, and create sustainable economic opportunity for communities. Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding support mechanisms and unlocking new opportunities that will enable tourism to thrive as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth.”


Qusai Al-Fakhri

Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Fund, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 

“The Principles for Transformative Tourism complement the hospitality sector's efforts to embed sustainability and social impact at the heart of travel and tourism. 

By working together, we can ensure that the growth of our industry contributes to thriving communities, environmental stewardship, and long-term prosperity for all."


Glenn Mandziuk

Chief Executive Officer, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA)

“Tourism and urban development are deeply interconnected. The places that welcome the world must first and foremost improve livability for the people who call them home. 

At the World Bank, through our Urban, Resilience and Land Global Department, we work with countries to build inclusive, climate-resilient, prosperous and liveable destinations that create jobs and improve livelihoods. The World Economic Forum’s Principles for Transformative Tourism share this vision, linking sustainable infrastructure, community well-being, and long-term economic opportunity.” 

Ming Zhang

Global Director for the Urban, Resilience and Land Global Department, World Bank 

“The Principles for Transformative Tourism complement the hospitality sector's efforts to embed sustainability and social impact at the heart of travel and tourism. By working together, we can ensure that the growth of our industry contributes to thriving communities, environmental stewardship, and long-term prosperity for all."

Glenn Mandziuk

Chief Executive Officer, World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA)

Latest insights

Explore research, reports, and playbooks on the sector's transformation.

Beyond Tourism: Coordinated Pathways to Inclusive Prosperity

Created with Kearney, this report charts how an ecosystem-based approach can make travel and tourism a stronger force for  prosperity, inclusion, and resilience.

Travel and Tourism at a Turning Point: Principles for Transformative Growth

This report examines key growth drivers and addresses critical tension points, outlining 10 guiding principles to shape the sector's transformation.

Future of Travel and Tourism: Embracing Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

This report highlights travel and tourism’s pivotal inflection point and outlines coordinated, inclusive actions to steer the sector toward greater prosperity, resilience and equity.

Tools and Resources

From unifying principles to universal benchmarks, here's how to turn vision into action.

Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026

The index provides a strategic benchmarking tool for business, governments, international organizations, and others to develop the Travel & Tourism sector.

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Read the latest insights and perspectives on travel and tourism from global leaders across industries, geographies, and sectors.

 Key challenges and opportunities

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