COMCEC Tourism Outlook 2017
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Travel & Tourism in OIC generated 13,256,500 jobs directly in 2016 (2.4% of total employment)
and this is forecast to grow by 1.3% in 2017. This includes employment by hotels, travel agents,
airlines and other passenger transportation services. It also includes, for example, the activities
of the restaurant and leisure industries directly supported by tourists. By 2027, Travel &
Tourismwill account for 17,620,000 jobs directly, an increase of 2.8%pa over the next ten years.
Total contribution of travel and tourism to employment in OICmember states is 35,513,000 jobs
in 2016 (6.4% of total employment) (WTTC, 2017). Leisure spending (inbound and domestic)
in OIC member states generated 76% of direct travel & tourism GDP in 2016.
In Figure 4.1, direct contribution of travel and tourism to GDP can be seen for 48 member
countries in 2016. This figure expresses the importance of travel and tourism for economies of
member states. Meanwhile, this figure excludes Maldives, since travel and tourism’s direct
contribution was 40.9% in Maldives which makes the figure inapprehensible to analyze. As one
of the small island developing states, Maldives is the most tourism-dependent country which
relies on tourism income. This dependence on tourism in particularly island countries would
make them more vulnerable, as the tourism might be unstable, particularly sensitive to
economic fluctuations in the tourists’ countries of departure and to international political
events.
Because of its multiplier impact many countries have embraced tourism as a tool to boost their
economy. GDP contribution of travel and tourism is relatively high in countries like Gambia
(9.0%), Albania (8.4%) and Morocco (8.1%). As the tourism sector is vulnerable to crises, these
countries are particularly more sensitive to economic fluctuations and to international political
events.
According to the WTTC data for the year 2016, countries with little reliance on tourism as part
of GDP include Uzbekistan and Gabon, travel and tourismmakes up about 1 percent of total GDP
in each. These countries are less dependent on tourism industry in their economy. It is important
to note that diversification in an economy is healthy, however if a country or region becomes
dependent for its economic survival upon one industry, it can put major stress upon this
industry as well as the actors involved to perform well.