Travel in 2035: What the Next Wave of Wanderlust Might Look Like

A World on the Move: Travel's Big Leap Ahead

Ever wonder what travel might look like a decade from now? According to the recently released WTM Global Travel Report, the travel and tourism industry is projected to grow at an average rate of 3.5% per year until 2035, potentially outpacing the global economy itself. In numbers, that could mean the sector will be worth over $16 trillion and represent a whopping 12% of global GDP!

What’s Good News for Travelers?

• More Choices, Deeper Experiences: The forecast points to travelers enjoying a bigger range of destinations — everything from vibrant cities to hidden gems — and a shift toward more authentic, personalized adventures.
• More Jobs and Opportunities: Growth could mean robust job creation, with up to 4.5 million new travel sector jobs expected in the EU alone by 2035, making tourism a key player in local economies.

...And What Might Be Tricky?

• The Workforce Puzzle: The same report flags a possible shortfall of over 43 million workers worldwide by 2035. If not addressed, that could mean slower service, staff shortages, or pricier trips.
• Eco-Impact: With rapid growth comes environmental responsibility. In 2023, the industry accounted for 6.5% of global emissions. Creating sustainable travel will be essential to protect the places we all love exploring.

What About Booking Hotels Online?

For those who spend hours scrolling through hotel options, there’s good news: the boom is likely to bring more accommodation choices, competitive pricing, and new experiences. However, possible staff shortages may impact the service travelers expect — making staff training and retention crucial for hotels.

What Could Change for You by 2035?

• More destinations, especially in the Asia-Pacific region, could dominate your wish list.
• Personalized, sustainable, and authentic travel experiences may become the norm.
• How travelers and companies respond to staff and sustainability challenges will shape the future guest experience.

This industry outlook is based on the latest forecasts and expert analysis, so while it paints an exciting (and realistic) vision, it also points to some challenges the travel world will need to tackle head-on. The bottom line? The future of travel could be bright — but being thoughtful about how we all move matters more than ever.