Europe’s travel and tourism sector is expected to create up to eight million new jobs within the next decade, says the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) latest Economic Impact Report (EIR).

The forecast from WTTC, which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, also shows the sector will be a driving force behind Europe’s economic recovery, following more than two years of suffering.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) does not envisage virtual meetings and other technologies replacing business travel, but does accept that recessionary forces are likely to put ongoing pressure on the sector.

Gloria Guevara, chief executive officer and president at WTTC, says technology is an enabler and helps people do business in times when people’s movements are restricted.