Page 46 - Introduction to Tourism

activity and over 238.3 million jobs (direct and

indirect).

Travel and tourism is projected to grow to $10.85

trillion of economic activity and

over 296.3 million jobs by 2018.

Globally in 2008, the travel and tourism economy
(direct and indirect) employment

is estimated at 238,277,000 jobs, 8.4 percent of
total employment, or 1 in every 11.9 jobs. By

2018, this should total 296,252,000 jobs, 9.2
percent of total employment, or 1 in every 10.8

jobs. The world travel and tourism economy’s

contribution to gross domestic product is

expected to rise from 9.9 percent ($5.89 trillion)

in 2008 to 10.5 percent (10.85 trillion) in 2018.

The economic figures cited show that tourism

has grown to be an activity of worldwide

importance and significance. For a number of

countries, tourism is the largest commodity in

international trade. In many others, it ranks

among the top three industries.

Tourism has grown rapidly to become a major

social and economic force in the world.

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