Berlin, Germany – 4 March 2026: The global travel sector is expected to witness a massive surge in capital investment over the next decade, with $12.5 trillion projected for Travel and Tourism development across major economies, according to a new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The report, titled “Bridging the Gap: Travel & Tourism Capital Investment and Demand Growth Across the G20,” was launched at the ITB Berlin tourism trade show and produced in collaboration with Oxford Economics. It highlights how strategic investment will play a crucial role in strengthening the competitiveness of G20 economies through 2035.
Demand and investment both set to rise
According to the study, Travel and Tourism demand across the G20 and Spain is forecast to grow at an average rate of 3.3% annually over the next decade. However, capital investment in the sector is expected to grow even faster at 4.6% annually between 2025 and 2035.
The Travel and Tourism investment G20 trend reflects governments and private-sector stakeholders prioritising infrastructure development, transport connectivity and sustainable tourism initiatives to support future growth.
Despite the strong long-term outlook, the report warns that investment recovery currently lags behind demand, creating a temporary imbalance that could place pressure on tourist infrastructure in the short term.
Risk of infrastructure strain in the near term
WTTC’s analysis indicates that the initial gap between investment and demand may lead to capacity pressures and overcrowding in some destinations. As travel rebounds strongly, existing infrastructure such as airports, accommodation and transport networks could face increasing strain.
However, the situation is expected to reverse by around 2033, when investment levels begin to exceed demand growth, helping the sector expand sustainably and improve resilience.
Germany and Spain emerge as key investors
The Travel and Tourism investment G20 outlook varies significantly across economies, with some countries moving ahead with proactive long-term strategies.
Germany is expected to invest $543 billion in the sector by 2035, giving it an investment-to-demand growth ratio of 1.39. This positions the country as a major “strategic moderniser” focused on building a resilient tourism infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Spain plans to invest $349 billion in Travel and Tourism, with capital investment projected to grow 1.46 times faster than demand during the same period. This approach is expected to strengthen Spain’s competitiveness as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
Industry leaders stress strategic investment
Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said the coming decade will be decisive for the sector’s development.
“Travel and Tourism is entering a new decisive decade for infrastructure and competitiveness. Countries that align investment with future demand are strengthening their economic resilience and securing long-term growth,” she said.
Guevara added that sustained investment in transport connectivity and sustainable infrastructure will be essential to unlocking the sector’s full economic potential.
Collaboration needed for long-term growth
The report concludes that stronger public–private partnerships will be critical to ensure that investment aligns with long-term travel demand while delivering measurable economic benefits.
With global travel continuing to rebound and expand, the Travel and Tourism investment G20 pipeline is expected to play a defining role in shaping the sector’s infrastructure, competitiveness and sustainability through 2035 and beyond.
