Grace Ashiru
A new report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reveals that Oceania’s Travel & Tourism sector could contribute an additional US$112 billion to the region’s economy by 2034, pushing its total economic impact to a record US$336 billion. The report, launched today in collaboration with VFS Global at WTTC’s 24th Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, also projects that this growth could create 1.1 million more jobs, bringing the total employment in the region’s Travel & Tourism sector to 3.5 million by 2034.
Titled “Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Oceania,” the report highlights the transformative potential of the region’s tourism sector if strategic investments are made. Oceania, which encompasses Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, has the potential to become a global leader in sustainable travel while significantly boosting its economic standing.
However, the report stresses that realizing this economic and social boost will require action in several key areas. These include:
– Investing in sustainable infrastructure to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change while improving regional connectivity
– Enhancing air connectivity across the region
– Streamlining visa processes
– Promoting eco-friendly tourism practices that protect Indigenous communities
To achieve this growth, the WTTC calls for a comprehensive policy package that includes airport expansion and the development of renewable energy sources for tourism infrastructure. Simplifying visa facilitation is identified as a crucial step toward unlocking this potential growth, enabling smoother travel experiences between Pacific islands.
VFS Global, a leader in innovative visa solutions, is positioned to support these efforts by enabling more efficient visa processes, potentially driving increased multi-country travel across Oceania.
WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson remarked, “Oceania has a unique opportunity to expand its Travel & Tourism sector in a way that not only stimulates economic growth but also sets the standard for sustainability. By investing in climate-resilient infrastructure and supporting Indigenous communities, the region could lead globally in eco-conscious, inclusive tourism.”
Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global Group, added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with WTTC on this comprehensive report, which underscores the tremendous potential of the travel and tourism industry in Oceania. Since establishing our presence in the region in 2008, VFS Global has become the trusted partner of 26 governments, serving 15 cities across eight countries. We are committed to unlocking new opportunities for the region’s long-term success and resilience.”
Sustainability is a key focus for Oceania’s long-term success, with the report emphasizing the need for eco-friendly infrastructure, including renewable energy solutions for resorts and climate-adaptive projects. These efforts will reduce the sector’s environmental footprint while appealing to a growing market of environmentally conscious travelers.
Indigenous-led tourism is also crucial to this transition, offering authentic cultural experiences while ensuring that local communities directly benefit from tourism revenue.
By the end of 2024, Oceania’s Travel & Tourism sector is projected to grow by 16.5% above pre-pandemic levels, reaching US$224 billion, with employment supported by the sector exceeding pre-pandemic figures by 4.8%, employing 2.3 million people. However, international visitor spending is expected to remain 4% below 2019 levels, with full recovery not anticipated until 2025.
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