In November 2025, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with SITA, released an impactful report titled "Better Borders." This report highlights the compelling potential that smarter travel borders hold for the global economy. It posits that a shift towards modernized border management could inject a staggering $401 billion into global GDP and create an impressive 14 million jobs by the year 2035.
As travel and tourism are projected to constitute approximately 12.5% of the global workforce, contributing an estimated $16.5 trillion to the world economy, the urgency for border modernization has never been more critical. The report delineates how governments can convert their borders into dynamic assets, benefitting not just the tourism sector but also enhancing national security and elevating overall economic competitiveness.
The Road to Smarter Borders and Economic Prosperity
The WTTC’s report advocates the adoption of advanced digital technologies, such as biometric systems and data management solutions, as pivotal strategies to streamline border processes while ensuring robust security measures. Among the essential recommendations presented in the report are:
Complete Digitalization of Visa and Travel Authorizations: Transitioning to an entirely digital framework would speed up border processing and minimize delays.
Adoption of Digital Identities: An integrated digital identity system can significantly improve traveler verification processes.
Pre-Arrival Clearance: Encouraging travelers to undergo clearance before arriving at the border can greatly reduce congestion and enhance overall efficiency.
- Inter-Government Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships between various government departments (tourism, security, finance) will create a more cohesive and responsive border management system.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC’s interim CEO, emphasized the role of technology in this modernization effort. She suggested that those nations that adopt these advanced technologies will not only enhance safety but also boost traveler confidence and increase tourism numbers.
Pedro Alves, Senior Vice President at SITA, reinforced the need for high-quality identity data, stressing that it allows governments to act swiftly and allocate resources more effectively. This modernization is not solely for national security; it is also crucial for revitalizing tourism and trade, as well as improving the overall experience for travelers.
Global Success Stories in Border Modernization
Several countries have already embraced border modernization, providing effective case studies that underscore the benefits of digital transformation:
United States: The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency employs biometric facial recognition technology across 238 airports. This technology has streamlined entry processes, significantly reducing wait times and bolstering security.
United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE’s adoption of AI technology has accelerated visa processing, allowing some applications to be completed within hours. AI helps travelers achieve greater accuracy when filling out visa applications, thus eliminating potential delays.
- Australia: Australia’s implementation of SmartGates at airports, which utilize facial recognition technology, is anticipated to make 79% of all arrivals eligible for faster processing by 2025. This initiative aims to drastically cut down wait times at borders.
The Future of Global Travel: Secure, Efficient, and Seamless
The "Better Borders" report reveals striking traveler preferences, indicating that 75% of travelers favor biometric verification over traditional manual processes. Remarkably, 85% of travelers expressed willingness to share their data in advance to expedite border processing. This trend highlights the escalating demand for seamless travel experiences, punctuating the necessity for governments to modernize their border infrastructures.
The report calls on nations worldwide to prioritize the construction of smarter borders that not only enhance security but also foster tourism and stimulate economic growth. By integrating biometric systems, digital travel authorizations, and improved data-sharing practices, countries can unlock the immense potential of their borders. The result would be significant economic development, strengthened tourism sectors, and improved global relationships.
Conclusion
In summation, the incorporation of digital technologies into border management transcends mere inconvenience for travelers; it stands as a strategic economic necessity. By advancing towards smarter borders, nations will not only reap substantial financial rewards but also create millions of jobs, ultimately rendering themselves more competitive on the global stage.
The report paints a clear picture of how embracing innovation in border management can drive economic prosperity. As the travel landscape evolves, the need for efficient, secure, and user-friendly borders is undeniable. Countries that seize this moment and invest in border modernization will find themselves at a significant advantage, both in terms of economic output and enhanced traveler experience. The era of smarter travel borders is not just a future prospect; it is a pressing reality that governments must address now for a more prosperous tomorrow.
