The latest World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report projects that Nigeria’s tourism sector will contribute N11.2 trillion ($7.5 billion) to the country’s GDP in 2025, marking an increase from N10.9 trillion recorded in 2024.
This announcement was made on June 6, 2025, as part of the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) annual Global Economic Impact Research (EIR). The EIR provides an in-depth analysis of travel and tourism’s economic and employment impact across more than 184 countries worldwide.
National Art Theatre, Lagos
The latest report indicates that while the sector had not fully rebounded to 2019 levels in 2024, 2025 is expected to be a transformative year. International spending is projected to surge by over 50%, the global GDP contribution is anticipated to approach pre-pandemic levels, and employment within the industry could increase by up to 400,000 additional jobs compared to the previous year.
The WTTC’s Economic Impact Research (eir) provides a more detailed breakdown of the Nigerian tourism industry. In 2025, international visitor spending is expected to reach approximately ₦803.2 billion, while domestic tourism expenditures are projected to climb to N6.1 trillion.
Meanwhile, the global private sector travel body reports that despite ongoing economic uncertainties, the travel and tourism industry is projected to reach a historic $2.1 trillion in 2025, surpassing the previous peak of $1.9 trillion. Travellers worldwide are expected to spend more than ever, reinforcing the sector’s resilience and growing demand.
According to the report, international visitor spending is forecast to reach a historic $2.1 trillion in 2025, surpassing the previous high of $1.9 trillion in 2019 by $164 billion.
This year, travel and tourism are expected to contribute an all-time high of $11.7TN to the global economy, accounting for 10.3 per cent of the global GDP.
As reported by the Sun news, global employment in the travel and tourism sector is projected to increase by 14 million jobs in 2025, bringing the total number of jobs supported by the industry to 371 million worldwide, surpassing the population of the United States.
WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson said, “People are continuing to prioritise travel. That’s a decisive vote of confidence in our sector and a sign of its enduring strength.
“But while the global picture in travel and tourism is strong, the recovery remains uneven. While some countries and regions produce record-breaking numbers, other large economies are plateauing.”
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While there is some positive news for many economies around the world, growth has slowed in a number of major travel and tourism markets, such as the U.S., China, and Germany.
Nigeria’s tourism sector has been making significant progress, offering valuable lessons for other African countries seeking to enhance their tourism industries. By harnessing their rich cultural heritage, creative arts, hospitality services, and entertainment sectors, nations across the continent can attract more visitors and stimulate economic growth.
The collaboration between the Nigerian government and private sector stakeholders has been instrumental in the country’s tourism growth. Other nations can encourage private investments, local entrepreneurship, and international partnerships to develop tourism sustainably.
Nigeria has joined the growing list of countries embracing digital marketing and international tourism campaigns to enhance its appeal to tourists. African nations that have yet to adopt these strategies can harness the power of social media, influencers, and global tourism expos to promote their attractions and boost visitor engagement effectively.
Stay informed with the latest updates on Nigeria’s travel scene by visiting the Nigeria Tourism News section on Rex Clarke Adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers
How much is tourism expected to contribute to Nigeria’s GDP in 2025?
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts that tourism will contribute N11.2 trillion ($7.5 billion) to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025.
How does the 2025 forecast compare to previous years’ contributions?
The N11.2 trillion forecast for 2025 is an increase from the N10.9 trillion contributed by tourism to Nigeria’s GDP in the previous year.
What is the source of this forecast?
This forecast is contained in the WTTC’s annual Global Economic Impact Research (EIR), which reports on travel and tourism’s economic and employment impact on over 184 countries.
Is the Nigerian tourism sector fully recovered to pre-pandemic (2019) levels?
While the sector has yet to fully recover to 2019 levels in 2024, 2025 is projected to be a pivotal year, with global GDP contribution expected to return to near-2019 levels.
How will international and domestic spending contribute to Nigeria’s tourism in 2025?
The WTTC EIR forecasts international visitor spending in Nigeria to be around N803.2 billion in 2025, while domestic spending is expected to reach N6.1 trillion.
What is the global outlook for the travel and tourism industry in 2025?
Globally, the travel and tourism industry is projected to contribute a historic $11.7 trillion to the global economy in 2025, accounting for 10.3 per cent of global GDP. International visitor spending is also forecast to reach a landmark $2.1 trillion.
How many jobs are expected to be supported globally by the sector in 2025?
Jobs supported by the sector worldwide are expected to grow by 14 million in 2025, reaching 371 million jobs globally.
Are there any challenges or uneven recoveries in the global tourism market?
Despite the strong global picture, WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson noted that the recovery remains uneven. While some countries are experiencing record-breaking numbers, major markets like the U.S., China, and Germany have grown more slowly.
