The WTTC’s Better Borders report reveals that modernizing visa systems and adopting digital, biometric border technologies could unlock US$401 billion in GDP and 14 million jobs by 2035 while creating seamless, secure, and traveller-friendly global mobility.
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GLOUnlocking $401 Billion in Growth Through Border Innovation
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in partnership with SITA, has unveiled “Better Borders: Smarter Border Controls” — a landmark report positioning modern border management as a catalyst for both national security and economic expansion. The study reveals that by implementing optimized visa systems, digital identity solutions, and smarter border technologies, countries could unlock an additional US$401 billion in GDP and create 14 million new jobs across the G20, EU, and African Union nations by 2035.
By 2035, the global Travel & Tourism sector is expected to support 462 million jobs and contribute US$16.5 trillion to global GDP, representing 11.5% of the world economy. The report argues that this growth can be accelerated with the adoption of “Better Borders” — modernized, data-driven entry systems that balance security, efficiency, and traveller experience.
Six Principles for Better Borders
WTTC and SITA outline six guiding principles to redefine how borders function in a hyper-connected world.
Visa & Travel Authorisation Principles
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Integrate tourism perspectives into border strategies through national facilitation committees that bridge tourism, security, and foreign affairs.
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Fully digitalise visa processes to eliminate paper systems and streamline application, issuance, and verification.
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Enhance global cooperation by harmonizing visa policies and improving communication with travellers.
Digital Border Technology Principles
4. Pre-clear travellers using real-time data and risk assessment before arrival.
5. Embrace digital identities through secure credentials and digital wallets.
6. Build direct traveller relationships via digital platforms for communication, verification, and personalized service.
Technology Transforming Borders
The report highlights leading global examples of innovation:
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United States: Facial recognition and biometric pre-clearance now operate at 238 airports, handling over 13 million Global Entry users. Mobile passport and border apps streamline processing across 51 sites.
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Aruba: The Happy One Pass app transforms a physical passport into a digital credential, enabling touchless airport experiences and boosting tourism growth.
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Singapore: Its New Clearance Concept allows fully biometric border crossing using facial and iris recognition — cutting processing times by 60%.
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UAE: Artificial intelligence accelerates visa processing to just hours, using predictive analytics and 24/7 digital support.
These examples showcase how automation, biometrics, and digital identities can dramatically improve traveller flow while enhancing national security.
Visa Innovation: From Paper to Digital Trust
WTTC recommends that nations move beyond traditional paper visas toward fully digital systems such as Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) and Digital Travel Authorisations (DTAs) — secure, interoperable, QR-coded visas compliant with ICAO standards. These tools allow real-time verification by airlines and border officials, reduce processing costs, and improve traveller satisfaction.
Countries like Australia are leading this transition with biometric-enabled SmartGates, while China’s visa-free and transit programs have spurred over 52% growth in foreign arrivals since 2024.
Economic and CX Impact
Beyond security and efficiency, Better Borders emphasizes the traveller experience (CX) as a national brand asset. Seamless, digital-first borders shape first impressions, reduce friction, and reinforce destinations as modern, safe, and welcoming.
The WTTC notes that 75% of travellers prefer biometric identification, and 85% are willing to share data if it leads to faster processing — underscoring a global readiness for smarter borders.
Key Takeaways
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US$401 billion GDP boost and 14 million new jobs possible through optimized border systems.
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Full digitalisation of visas and identities is critical for balancing facilitation with security.
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Cross-government collaboration is essential — involving tourism, home affairs, finance, and transport.
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Seamless travel enhances brand value, economic competitiveness, and traveller loyalty.
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Digital trust frameworks, such as ICAO’s DTC and WHO’s Global Digital Health Certification Network, will underpin the next generation of border innovation.
The Better Borders report calls on governments to treat borders not as barriers but as gateways to prosperity. With digital infrastructure, biometric solutions, and smarter data use, borders can simultaneously enhance security, elevate traveller satisfaction, and drive tourism-led growth.
Source: WTTC
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