The future of tourism: 5.3 billion people expected to travel

The future of tourism: 5.3 billion people expected to travel

DUBAI: The future of tourism is set to witness unprecedented growth with an estimated 5.3 billion people expected to travel globally in coming years, industry leaders told the World Governments Summit on Wednesday.

During a session called “What role do governments play in shaping cultural tourism policies?” the panel emphasized tourism was no longer solely about destinations but also experiences, something future governments should pursue.

Aymen Moayed, secretary-general of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports in Bahrain, highlighted the shift from traditional sightseeing to immersive cultural and sporting experiences.

“People are spoiled for choice, so it’s now about the experience,” he said, adding that sports, culture and entertainment were central to this transformation.

Nasser Al Khater, CEO of FIFA World Cup Qatar, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that sports had become key entertainment drivers competing for global attention.

“It’s all about creating memorable experiences. Countries have one shot to build a lasting reputation,” he said.

Gillian Tans, former chairwoman and CEO of Booking.com, shed light on the sheer scale of the industry.

“In 1950, there were 25 million tourist arrivals. Last year, it was 1.3 billion. With remote work and digital lifestyles, we expect this number to soar,” she said.

Tans emphasized the rising demand for authentic, personalized and sustainable travel experiences, pointing to the growing importance of smart, seamless digital solutions.

The session also underlined the need for industry collaboration.

“We either all make it or fail,” Moayed asserted, highlighting that seamless integration across sectors from hospitality to transport was crucial. He added that governments also played a pivotal role in managing over-tourism and developing sustainable infrastructure.

“In essence, the future of tourism is an interconnected ecosystem where experiences, technology and sustainability converge to meet the evolving desires of global travelers,” he said.