Global Leaders Call for Digital Border Reform

A landmark joint report from leading global aviation and tourism bodies urges governments to adopt advanced border technologies and modern digital visa frameworks. The report, titled Better Borders: Enhance Security, Boost Tourism, Facilitate Seamless Travel & Drive Economic Growth, was developed by SITA and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). It argues that without a large-scale technological pivot, the world will be unable to provide secure, efficient and seamless travel experiences amid unprecedented passenger growth.

According to current forecasts, the aviation sector is expected to transport 14 billion passengers annually by 2035 — a number that existing border systems cannot manage without significant reform. WTTC projections show that by 2035, travel and tourism will account for 11.5% of global GDP, reaching $16.5 trillion, and will support 462 million jobs, or 12.5% of the world’s workforce. These trends highlight an urgent need to modernize border infrastructure.

Reimagining borders through technology

SITA CEO David Lavorel and WTTC interim CEO Gloria Guevara emphasize that achieving future growth targets requires a fundamental redesign of border operations. Digital solutions can reduce congestion in immigration halls, accelerate identity verification and decrease reliance on manual checks.

Instead of expanding physical infrastructure, governments can shift key security processes into the digital and pre-travel phases, boosting both efficiency and protection.

Pillar One: Visa and travel authorisation principles

The six recommended principles are grouped into two categories, the first of which focuses on visa and travel authorisation.

The first principle calls for integrating tourism considerations into national border strategies by establishing national facilitation committees bringing together government agencies and travel-sector stakeholders.

The second principle urges full digitalisation of visa systems — enabling electronic applications, approvals and verification. This reduces errors, strengthens data protection and accelerates processing.

The third principle stresses the importance of international cooperation and clear communication with travellers.

Pillar Two: Digital border technology principles

The second set of principles outlines the core technologies needed to transform border management.

A central requirement is pre-clearing the highest possible number of travellers. Using voluntarily shared data, risk assessments can be completed before passengers arrive, easing pressure on physical border facilities.

The next principle focuses on embracing digital identities, such as secure digital passports and travel credentials, enabling instant verification.

The final principle promotes establishing long-term digital engagement channels with travellers to enhance data security and streamline processes.

Expert conclusion from International Investment: Countries that accelerate digital border transformation — from e-visas to digital IDs and pre-travel screening — will gain a critical competitive advantage: stronger national security and a powerful boost to tourism-driven economic growth.