The Scale of Travel Spend and Commission — What’s Really in Motion?
Travel & Tourism is a multi‑trillion‑dollar engine. Here’s the math behind “$10T+ moving” and why a 10% commission assumption implies a ~$1T pool of value—plus the caveats.
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Book a TripThe headline numbers
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Travel & Tourism’s contribution to global GDP reached US$10.9 trillion in 2024 [1]. The sector represented about 10% of the global economy. WTTC also reports domestic and international visitor spending totaling roughly US$7.2 trillion in 2024 (US$5.3T domestic; US$1.9T international).
Why use GDP and spend both? Because GDP shows the full economic footprint, while visitor spend highlights direct out‑of‑pocket purchases (transportation, lodging, tours, etc.). Together, they make clear the order of magnitude: this is a multi‑trillion‑dollar market.
So where do commissions fit?
Commissions are a core part of how travel distribution works. They vary by category and channel:
- Hotels often pay agencies/OTAs around 10–20% on commissionable rates.
- Cruises commonly fall near 10–16% for retail advisors.
- Packages and tours vary, often in the low‑to‑mid teens.
- Airfares frequently pay little or no base commission; value shifts to consolidator nets, overrides, or service fees.
These ranges come from widely reported industry practices and partner documentation (e.g., OTA partner programs and supplier commission policies). Because the exact mix depends on product and channel, there isn’t a single “official average” for the whole industry.
A simple, conservative assumption
If we apply a simple 10% blended commission assumption to a multi‑trillion base of commissionable spend, we’re in the hundreds of billions to ~$1T range of commissions and margins in motion each year. This is an illustrative calculation intended to show scale, not a guarantee or category‑specific rate.
Assumptions matter. Commissionable base excludes non‑commissionable taxes/fees and varies by category and contract. Realized net proceeds depend on supplier mix, pricing, protections, payment costs, and operations.
We operate with transparent accounting and verified reporting per program.
Done For You: We run operations and split verified net proceeds 50/50.
Done With You: Your team runs operations with our playbooks and retains 100% of net proceeds.
Why this matters for causes and teams
Instead of asking supporters for new money, you can redirect a slice of existing travel value—trips people already take—toward your mission. That’s the idea behind “tap into money already in motion.”
Compliance note: This approach is not a consumer rebate or a reduction in traveler pricing. Any giveback is paid to the designated cause from agency proceeds in accordance with supplier rules and applicable regulations. We do not advertise below‑market rates or use supplier logos without permission. Always verify program details and disclosures at time of booking.
Sources and further reading
- WTTC Economic Impact Research: Travel & Tourism contribution to global GDP was US$10.9T in 2024; domestic spend US$5.3T; international spend US$1.9T. https://wttc.org/research/economic-impact
- Online Travel Agency and hotel commission context (industry overview). Wikipedia: Online travel agency / Travel agency. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travel_agency
- OTA and supplier commission practices (examples): Booking.com Partner Program (commission varies by market and property type); major cruise line advisor commissions commonly ~10–16% (e.g., CLIA member guidance). Vendor policies vary by contract and market.