“Currently, 4.4 billion people, more than half the population, live in cities. This includes ancient cities like Athens and Rome, and vast metropolises like Tokyo,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO.
The study projects that Doha, the capital of Qatar, home of the World Cup, will have the largest increase in 2022, compared to 2019, in terms of international traveler spending, as well as in the contribution of travel and tourism to GDP. of the city, with an expected increase of 21%.
It is followed by Warsaw, Poland with an increase of 14%, and Playa Sanya, in China, with an increase of 10%.
Regarding job creation in the comparison of 2019 against 2022, Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, has an increase of 18%, Johannesburg, South Africa, with an increase of 13%, and Chicago rose 13%.
“For millions of tourists around the world, major cities continue to be iconic global destinations. Great interest in the history, culture and entertainment that cities offer travelers remains,” Simpson said at a press conference.
The report details that in the next decade, travel and tourism will be one of the pillars of economic growth and will contribute significantly to GDP; In addition, they will allow the generation of 126 million new jobs.
