“Better Borders” Could Unlock $401BN and 14 Million Jobs: WTTC and SITA Reveal New Global Potential

Border control is shifting from a bureaucratic necessity to a strategic economic asset. A groundbreaking report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), produced in partnership with SITA, shows that smarter, digitised borders could inject $401 billion into the global economy and create 14 million new jobs across G20, EU and African Union countries by 2035.

The Better Borders report argues that digitalisation, biometrics and modern identity systems can transform border management from a friction point into a catalyst for tourism, security and economic development.

Borders as Engines of Economic Growth

Travel & Tourism is projected to reach $16.5 trillion in global GDP by 2035 and account for 12.5% of the world’s workforce. To sustain this growth, borders must evolve — becoming smarter, faster and more secure.

According to WTTC and SITA, modern border management is no longer optional. It is a strategic imperative, capable of strengthening national competitiveness and enhancing safety without compromising efficiency.

Digital Visas, Biometrics and Pre-Clearance: The Future of Border Management

The report proposes a complete shift toward digital travel authorisations, digital identities and biometric technologies that allow travellers to be authenticated even before they arrive.

Smarter borders require:

— full digitalisation of visas,
— biometric verification across travel touchpoints,
— real-time data exchange between ministries and agencies,
— direct digital interaction with travellers,
— automated, seamless processing at ports of entry.

As WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara states:

“Technology now allows us to achieve what was once impossible: stronger borders and smoother travel.”

Global Success Stories: United States, UAE, Australia

Several countries already demonstrate the power of digital transformation.

The United States uses biometric facial comparison in 238 airports and 57 outbound locations, significantly expediting both entry and exit formalities.

The UAE leverages artificial intelligence to reduce visa processing times from weeks to hours, guiding applicants through flawless digital submissions.

Australia’s SmartGates enable automated border processing: by mid-2025, 79% of arrivals were eligible, and three quarters opted in — dramatically reducing wait times.

These examples prove that the future of borders is not hypothetical — it is already here.

Travellers Are Ready: 75% Prefer Biometrics

The report notes that travellers overwhelmingly welcome digitalisation:

— 75% prefer biometric processes,
— 85% are willing to share data in advance for smoother journeys.

This signals a strong global shift toward frictionless travel experiences.

What “Better Borders” Means for the Next Decade

Analysts at International Investment conclude that the WTTC–SITA vision marks a transformative moment for global mobility — but also highlights emerging divides.

Key insights:

Digital border leaders will dominate global tourism and investment flows.

Countries that resist modernisation risk losing competitiveness and tourist volumes.

The gap between technologically advanced and lagging nations will widen, shaping new economic hierarchies.

Smart borders will become as critical as airports, highways or digital infrastructure — the foundation of future travel ecosystems.

Final verdict:
Digital borders are no longer an innovation. They are becoming the global standard, defining which economies thrive in the next decade — and which fall behind.