The OECD Tourism Trends and Policies report underscores the sector's pivotal role in driving economic prosperity, jobs and well-being, with tourism's direct contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) bouncing back to 3.9% in 2022 in 20 OECD countries with available data, just half a percentage point down on 2019.
As German travel and business magazine, fvw, reported, tourism also contributed 14.8 percent to service exports in 2022, still below pre-pandemic levels, but up from 9.7 percent in 2021. According to the report, the evidence suggests that the recovery has continued since, spurred by the recovery in international arrivals and strong domestic performance.
Recommendations for governments
The report does not only evaluate the decisive economic role of travel and tourism, but recommends governments implement policies to:
* Empower destinations to diversify and better manage visitor flows, to deliver better outcomes for the environment and local communities,
* Integrate tourism workers' needs into broader development strategies, ensuring access to affordable housing and transportation in remote areas,
* Support tourism businesses to access financial aid and skills to adopt digital solutions, green business operations, and develop innovative work practices.