WTTC Report 2026: tourism grows, Taormina among Italy's top destinations

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects a notable expansion of the tourism sector for 2026 and the coming decade. Tourism is expected to outperform general GDP growth across Europe.

• Europe growth outlook: travel-related GDP in Europe is forecast to rise by 3.6% in 2026.
• International visitor spending: projected to increase by 7.1% in Europe for 2026.
• Italy: the tourism sector is estimated to grow by 3.8% in 2026, ranking among the most dynamic European markets.
• Taormina: cited in the report as one of Italy's leading destinations, thanks to its historic heritage, Mediterranean scenery and high-end hospitality offering.

Being highlighted in the WTTC report can bolster Taormina's appeal to high-spending visitors and investors. The key challenge remains aligning growth with sustainability to protect the cultural and landscape assets that underpin these competitive advantages.