U.S. Travel & Tourism Becomes a Global Model for Sustainable Growth with WTTC Emphasizing GDP Growth, Carbon Reduction and Inclusive Workforce Development

Published on December 5, 2025

The U.S. Travel & Tourism sector is emerging as a global leader by demonstrating that economic growth and environmental responsibility can advance simultaneously. According to the latest Environmental & Social Research (ESR) from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry expanded steadily in 2024 while achieving notable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These results signal a shift toward sustainable growth, where tourism’s economic benefits do not come at the expense of the environment.

Economic Resilience Coupled with Environmental Progress

Between 2019 and 2024, the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector recorded an average annual GDP growth rate of 1.8%, showcasing the industry’s resilience in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. At the same time, the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions declined by 1.7% per year, underscoring the success of efficiency measures, energy transition strategies, and environmentally conscious operations.

A closer look at emissions intensity highlights this progress. In 2019, the sector emitted 0.38 kilograms of CO2 equivalent for every USD of GDP generated. By 2024, that figure had fallen to 0.32, reflecting improved operational efficiency and cleaner energy adoption. The share of low-carbon energy within the sector’s overall energy portfolio rose to 5.2% in 2024, up from 5.1% in 2023 and considerably higher than the 4.1% recorded in 2019. These developments indicate that the sector is successfully decoupling economic growth from carbon output, producing more value with a smaller environmental footprint.

Transportation Emissions Remain a Critical Challenge

Despite overall progress, transportation continues to be the largest source of emissions in U.S. Travel & Tourism. Travel-related transport contributes 54% of the sector’s total emissions, well above the global average of 40%, while utilities account for an additional 14%. Addressing emissions from travel remains a key priority for achieving long-term sustainability.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is increasingly recognized as a vital solution. Leading U.S. airlines have entered long-term SAF agreements and are investing in scaling production, signaling a strong commitment to decarbonizing aviation. While supply constraints and scaling challenges persist, these efforts are complemented by initiatives to enhance energy efficiency in transport, optimize travel logistics, and adopt low-emission mobility technologies, all of which contribute to reducing the sector’s overall carbon footprint.

Driving Social Inclusion Through Employment

In addition to environmental gains, the sector is making a meaningful social impact, particularly in employment for women and youth. In 2024, 9.5 million women were employed in the sector, an increase of 170,000 from 2023, representing 47.4% of direct employment. This demonstrates a growing commitment to gender equity and inclusive workforce practices.

Youth employment is also on the rise. Workers aged 15–24 increased to 3.54 million in 2024 from 3.5 million the previous year, now representing 23.7% of direct sector employment. This exceeds both the Americas regional average of 19.6% and the overall U.S. workforce share of 13.1%, showing that the sector is providing substantial opportunities for young people to enter the labor market. These trends reinforce the sector’s role in fostering inclusive economic development and supporting broader social equity goals nationwide.

A Blueprint for Sustainable Tourism

Collectively, these findings highlight the U.S. Travel & Tourism sector’s ability to balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility. By expanding GDP while reducing emissions and promoting inclusive employment, the sector is setting new standards for sustainable tourism worldwide.

Investments in renewable energy, sustainable fuels, workforce inclusion, and operational efficiency position the industry for long-term competitiveness. As global attention focuses on sustainable recovery and equitable development, U.S. Travel & Tourism provides a tangible model for other nations seeking to combine profitability with responsibility.

With continued focus on clean energy, emissions reduction, and inclusive growth, the sector is poised to establish new benchmarks for the global tourism industry. Its progress proves that economic expansion, environmental stewardship, and social equity can advance together, creating a more sustainable and inclusive future for the industry.

By combining innovation, strategic investment, and equitable employment practices, U.S. Travel & Tourism is demonstrating that industries can achieve economic success while advancing both environmental and social progress, offering a model for sustainable growth that resonates globally.