Traveling and the global economy

Bill Poling of Travel Weekly reports stats on the travel industry’s effect on the global economy. All in all the report shows that the travel industry boosted the global economy and added trillions of dollars to the global GDP. Here’s a tidbit from Poling’s report:

In a report that again depicts the resilience of travel, the World Travel and Tourism Council estimated that the industry’s contribution to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 3% last year, the third consecutive year of growth.

The annual report, produced by Oxford Economics, said the direct contribution of travel and tourism in the global economy came to over $2 trillion, or 2.9% of global GDP. With indirect effects added, the total economic impact of travel and tourism rises to $6.6 trillion, or 9.3% of global GDP.


Ask and you shall receive — travel savings

One way to save money? Talking. BudgetTravel.com’s Deanna Cioppa advises that simple human to human interactions can lead to discounts on airfare, lodging and cruises.

The author asked several travel experts for simple questions travelers should be asking to save money. Some of the questions include:

  • Is there an upgrade available?
  • Are you running any local deals?
  • Is there a tourism card available?

Some of these questions seem like no brainers but often times travelers forget, are too intimidated, or think its useless to ask them. According to experts, start asking these questions to ensure a more complete, inexpensive trip. Besides, it won’t hurt to ask.