Global travel and tourism business is on course to contribute US$ 16 trillion to the world economy by 2034 while supporting nearly 30 billion tourist visits annually. But the industry’s next phase of growth must be measured by sustainability and community impact rather than arrivals alone, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). The WEF report warns that rapid tourism growth is intensifying pressure on destinations through overtourism, workforce shortages, infrastructure constraints, and climate-related risks.
To address these challenges, WEF has launched the Beyond Tourism Impact Stars initiative in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and consulting firm Kearney to identify scalable private-sector solutions that generate measurable benefits for communities, ecosystems, and businesses. The initiative aims to accelerate knowledge sharing across destinations, encouraging governments, and industry stakeholders to replicate successful sustainability models as global tourism enters its next growth cycle.
Shreya Bansal is a reporter at TravTalk India, covering the travel and tourism industry. She brings a keen eye for emerging trends, trade developments, and the stories shaping the travel landscape. Through in-depth reporting and on-ground insights, she connects industry stakeholders with news that matters. Beyond travel, Shreya has a growing interest in the premium lifestyle space, particularly the world of fine jewellery and is eager to explore the craftsmanship, culture, and commerce that define luxury living.