WTTC: Indigenous tourism to contribute $67 billion by 2034
The council launched the ‘Together in Travel’ initiative to support SMEs in global tourism
By Vishnu Rageev ROct 18, 2024
INDIGENOUS TOURISM IS expected to generate $67 billion globally by 2034, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Business travel is set to exceed pre-pandemic levels this year, reaching $1.5 trillion.
Additionally, WTTC introduced “Together in Travel,” an initiative supporting small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector, during its 24th Global Summit in Perth, Australia, where industry leaders, government officials, and delegates convened to discuss several themes.
The council released its report, “Supporting Global Indigenous Tourism,” highlighting the sector's role in driving economic growth, particularly in remote regions, while preserving cultural heritage and empowering communities.
The indigenous tourism market, set to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.1 percent over the next decade, is providing communities with opportunities to take control of their economic futures, the WTTC noted.
“Indigenous tourism is not only about showcasing rich cultural traditions; it’s about empowering communities, creating sustainable jobs, and ensuring that indigenous people control their stories and economic futures,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC president and CEO, at the summit. “This report shows the immense potential of indigenous tourism to drive economic growth, especially in remote areas, while safeguarding cultural heritage. As demand for authentic experiences grows, it’s crucial to support Indigenous businesses with access to resources and funding.”
The report highlights indigenous tourism as a sustainable career path, citing Canada’s Indigenous Tourism Association, which enables communities to shape their futures through tourism. Countries like Australia and the U.S. also are integrating indigenous experiences into national tourism strategies to promote authentic representation.
The report further emphasized the role of indigenous tourism in preserving cultural heritage, languages, and traditional practices.
Business travel to exceed pre-pandemic levels
In a separate report, WTTC revealed that business travel is set to exceed pre-pandemic levels this year, reaching $1.5 trillion—sooner than expected. While corporate travel took a significant hit during the pandemic due to the rise of virtual meetings, the new report indicates a robust recovery.
According to WTTC’s 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report, U.S. business travel, which accounted for 30 percent of global spending in 2019, is expected to reach $472 billion this year—13.4 percent above 2019 levels. In China, the second-largest business travel market, spending is projected to grow 13.1 percent above 2019, reaching nearly $211 billion.
“After a challenging few years, business travel has rebounded faster than anticipated, demonstrating the importance of in-person meetings for global businesses,” Simpson said. “While virtual meetings played a critical role during the pandemic, today’s data shows that face-to-face interaction remains essential for business success.”
ForwardKeys, WTTC’s travel intelligence partner, reported that the global tourism industry is experiencing a resurgence, with international arrivals up 16 percent compared to 2023. The recovery is being driven largely by the Asia-Pacific region, which has seen strong growth following delayed post-pandemic reopenings.
‘Together in Travel’
WTTC’s Together in Travel initiative supports small and medium enterprises in the global travel and tourism sector by offering tools and resources for business growth and ensuring that SMEs’ voices are represented on a global scale.
“SMEs are the backbone of travel and tourism, providing services to customers, launching innovative startups, and offering local knowledge to larger partners,” Simpson said. “For the first time, these businesses can join a community to share ideas and strengthen their operations.”
WTTC forecasts that 2024 will be a record year for the sector, with global economic contributions expected to hit an all-time high of $11.1 trillion.
“The Together in Travel community represents a milestone in our mission to advocate for SMEs and drive positive change through meaningful engagement and support,” said Matthew Upchurch, WTTC vice chair of membership and Virtuoso’s chairman and CEO. “As the travel industry navigates post-pandemic challenges, initiatives like this are essential for building a more resilient, sustainable future.”
The WTTC recently reported that the U.S. remains the top travel and tourism market, contributing a record $2.36 trillion last year—nearly double that of its closest competitor, despite slow international spending recovery.
WTTC also announced Rome as the host city for next year’s 25th Summit.
Howard Johnson is marking its 100th anniversary with fried clam–shaped soaps.
The soaps pay homage to an iconic HoJo menu item.
Available at select hotels and for online purchase starting Oct. 3.
HOWARD JOHNSON BY Wyndham marks a century with one of its most famous menu items, the fried clam strip. The brand is introducing limited-edition HoJo’s Original Fried Clam Soap, available at select Howard Johnson hotels across the U.S. and for online purchase beginning Oct. 3.
Designed to resemble the original food item, the soaps are infused with lemon, sea salt and butter in a nod to the butter-soaked rolls that once accompanied the fried clams, according to a statement by Wyndham.
“Howard Johnson is a brand woven into America’s cultural fabric and beloved by millions for generations,” said Marissa Yoss, HoJo’s head of marketing. “As we celebrate 100 years, our limited-edition fried clam soap is a fun, nostalgic tribute to the brand’s storied past and a playful nod to the retro-modern, family-friendly spirit that continues defining our hotels today.”
For World Waffle Day celebrations, Comfort Hotels hosted a one-day Waffle Lounge in New York City on Aug. 21.
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Asian Media
Group USA Inc. and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
Noble broke ground on StudioRes Mobile Alabama at McGowin Park.
The 10th StudioRes expands Noble’s long-term accommodations platform.
Noble recently acquired 16 WoodSpring Suites properties through two portfolio transactions.
NOBLE INVESTMENT GROUP broke ground on StudioRes Mobile Alabama at McGowin Park, a retail center in Mobile, Alabama. It is Noble’s 10th property under Marriott International’s extended stay StudioRes brand.
“Noble is institutionalizing one of the most resilient and undersupplied segments at the intersection of hospitality, mobility and how people stay,” said Shah. “We are scaling a branded platform to capture secular demand that creates stable cash flow and long-term value.”
In May, Noble acquired 16 WoodSpring Suites properties through two portfolio transactions, expanding its platform in branded long-term accommodations.
Noah Silverman, Marriott International’s global development officer, U.S. & Canada, said breaking ground on the 10th StudioRes with Noble reflects the brand’s growth and the companies’ three-decade partnership.
“With both companies’ expertise in long-term accommodations, Marriott’s distribution channels, and the power of our nearly 248 million Marriott Bonvoy members, we are confident StudioRes is uniquely positioned to generate customer demand at scale, drive performance and sustain long-term growth,” he said.
Meanwhile, Marriott has more than 50 signed StudioRes projects, about half under construction, the statement said. The first StudioRes opened in Fort Myers, Florida.
Hersha Hotels & Resorts sold The Boxer Boston to Eurostars Hotels.
The company acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million.
The property now sold for $23.6 million.
HERSHA HOTELS & RESORTS sold The Boxer Boston, an 80-room hotel in Boston’s West End, to Eurostars Hotels, part of Spain’s Grupo Hotusa. The company, which reportedly acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million, received $23.6 million for it.
The seven-story hotel, built in 1904, is near TD Garden, the Charles River Esplanade, One Congress, North Station and Massachusetts General Hospital, said JLL Hotels & Hospitality, which brokered the sale. It also has a fitness center.
Hersha Hotels & Resorts is part of the Hersha Group, founded in 1984 by Hasu Shah. Jay Shah serves as senior advisor and his brother Neil Shah is president and CEO.
JLL Managing Director Alan Suzuki, Senior Director Matthew Enright and Associate Emily Zhang represented the seller.
"The Boxer’s prime location at the crossroads of Boston's West End, North End and Downtown districts, combined with its strong cash flow and its unencumbered status regarding brand and management, made this an exceptionally attractive investment," said Suzuki. "Boston continues to demonstrate resilient lodging fundamentals driven by its diverse demand generators, including world-class educational institutions, medical facilities, corporate presence and convention and leisure attractions."
The property will become the Spanish hotel chain Eurostars’ fifth U.S. hotel, supporting the group’s North American expansion, the statement said.
Amancio López Seijas, president of Grupo Hotusa and Eurostars Hotels Co., said the addition of Eurostars’ The Boxer strengthens the company’s presence in key locations and promotes urban tourism.
Peachtree recognized by Inc. and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
Named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third year.
Chronicle’s Pacesetter Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing companies.
PEACHTREE GROUP ENTERED the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year. The company also won the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Awards as one of the city’s fastest-growing private companies.
The Inc. 5000 list provides a data-driven look at independent businesses with sustained success nationwide, while the Business Chronicle’s Pacesetter Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing privately held companies, Peachtree said in a statement.
“We are in the business of identifying and capitalizing on mispriced risk, and in today’s environment of disruption and dislocation, that has created strong tailwinds for our growth,” said Greg Friedman, managing principal and CEO. “These recognitions validate our ability to execute in complex markets, and we see significant opportunity ahead as we continue to scale our platform.”
The Atlanta-based investment firm, led by Friedman; Jatin Desai, managing principal and CFO and Mitul Patel, principal, oversees a diversified portfolio of more than $8 billion.
A PETITION FOR a referendum on Los Angeles’s proposed “Olympic Wage” ordinance, requiring a $30 minimum wage for hospitality workers by the 2028 Olympic Games, lacked sufficient signatures, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar. The ordinance will take effect, raising hotel worker wages from the current $22.50 to $25 next year, $27.50 in 2027 and $30 in 2028.
Mandatory health care benefits payments will also begin in 2026.
The L.A. Alliance for Tourism, Jobs and Progress sought a referendum to repeal the ordinance, approved by the city council four months ago. The petition needed about 93,000 signatures but fell short by about 9,000, according to Interim City Clerk Petty Santos.
The council approved the minimum wage increase for tourism workers in May 2023, despite opposition from business leaders citing a decline in international travel. The ordinance requires hotels with more than 60 rooms and businesses at Los Angeles International Airport to pay workers $30 an hour by 2028. It passed on a 12 to 3 vote, with Councilmembers John Lee, Traci Park and Monica Rodriguez opposed.
The L.A. Alliance submitted more than 140,000 signatures in June opposing the tourism wage ordinance, triggering a June 2026 repeal vote supported by airlines, hotels and concession businesses.
AAHOA called the ruling a setback for Los Angeles hotel owners, who will bear the costs of the mandate.
"This ruling is a major setback for Los Angeles' small business hotel owners, who will shoulder the burden of this mandate," said Kamalesh “KP” Patel, AAHOA chairman. "Instead of working with industry leaders, the city moved forward with a policy that ignores economic realities and jeopardizes the jobs and businesses that keep this city's hospitality sector operating and supporting economic growth. Family-owned hotels now face choices—cutting staff, halting hiring, or raising rates—just as Los Angeles prepares to host millions of visitors for the World Cup and 2028 Olympics. You can't build a city by breaking the backs of the small businesses that make it run."
Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO, said members are proud to create jobs in their communities, but the ordinance imposes costs that will affect the entire city.
“Even with a delayed rollout, the mandate represents a 70 percent wage increase above California's 2025 minimum wage,” she said. “This approach could remove more than $114 million each year from hotels, funds that could instead be invested in keeping workers employed and ensuring Los Angeles remains a competitive destination. The mandate increases the risk of closures, layoffs and a weaker Los Angeles."
A recent report from the American Hotel & Lodging Association found Los Angeles is still dealing with the effects of the pandemic and recent wildfires. International visitation remains below 2019 levels, more than in any other major U.S. city.