- by foxnews
- 07 Dec 2024
In a landmark report launched today at the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 24th Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, Oceania’s travel and tourism sector is projected to contribute a record-breaking US$336 billion to the region’s economy by 2034. This represents a potential US$112 billion (AU$166.4 billion) increase from current figures, as outlined in the report, ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Oceania’, developed in collaboration with VFS Global.
Oceania, which spans Australasia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, is known for its diverse range of islands, including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, as well as smaller island nations like Tonga, Samoa, and Palau. According to the WTTC report, the region is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in sustainable travel, given the growing global demand for eco-friendly tourism and the urgent need to address climate change.
As global discussions around sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) gain momentum, WTTC has identified the scaling of SAF production as critical to reducing emissions from air travel. The report emphasizes the importance of providing Pacific island nations with access to affordable sustainable fuels to ensure the long-term viability of air travel in the region.
However, the report cautions that international visitor spending is projected to remain 4% below 2019 levels, with full recovery not expected until 2025. This slower return of international visitors underscores the need for improved air connectivity and visa facilitation across the region.
Virgin Voyages has launched an annual pass giving passengers the opportunity to take unlimited cruises for an entire year and work remotely on the adults-only cruise line.
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