Pack your bags and grab your passports, because travel is taking flight like never before. According to the Conference Board’s consumer confidence survey, a record number of US adults are planning trips abroad in the next six months, thanks to increased wealth from the booming stock market and higher interest rates on bank deposits.

• The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts global tourism will contribute $11.1T to the global economy in 2024 — surpassing 2019’s high of $10T.
• Domestic travel is outpacing international travel, with domestic spending expected to hit a record $5.4T this year, a 10% bump from 2019.

What’s the future forecast? While ~77% of countries surveyed are set to surpass their 2019 tourism figures, the US and China are struggling to attract foreign tourists — with inbound international tourism spending down by 25% and 60%, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic levels. As tourism flourishes, the travel industry is set to see more promising job opportunities. WTTC’s Julia Simpson remains optimistic, stating to Bloomberg, “Travel isn’t just back, travel is booming.”