WTTC and SITA unveil the path with advanced biometric systems dedicated to border security and accelerating seamless digital travel

Posted on November 5, 2025

Fundamental analysis, developed collaboratively by World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Aviation technology company Sitacomes to the fore, revealing the enormous potential present in modern border management systems. This comprehensive study is entitled Better boundaries The report posits that the global economy could be significantly boosted by the mass adoption of smart border technologies.

It is estimated that there is a significant increase in 401 billion dollars This can be achieved in global GDP, accompanied by generating significant growth 14 million New job opportunities all around G20, European Unionand African Union countries within one decade. The central conclusion is unequivocally clear: by adopting digital technologies and implementing smarter visa policies, countries’ economic competitiveness can be fundamentally enhanced, thus promoting prosperity on a global scale. This technology pivot is not just an operational improvement; It’s economical mandatory For the modern era.

The size of the global tourism sector and the strategic imperative

The necessity of modernizing borders can be better understood when viewed through the lens of the expected expansion of the travel and tourism sector. The industry is currently expected to have a contribution to the global GDP of $16.5 trillion By year 2035a forecast that clearly places travel as one of the world’s most powerful economic drivers. Moreover, by the same year, this sector is expected to represent a significant proportion 12.5% The entire global workforce, highlighting their critical role in global employment. Against this backdrop of tremendous growth, Better boundaries The report makes a convincing argument: modernizing borders is a strategic imperative that can no longer be postponed.

Unlocking Prosperity: Expected Economic Benefits and Employment Opportunities

The quantitative benefits of adopting smarter border management are staggering. Estimated addition to 401 billion dollars It is understood that global GDP is a direct result of increased passenger flows, reduced friction in the travel process, and the subsequent stimulation of broader economic activity. As the journey across international borders becomes faster, more predictable and less stressful, greater confidence is instilled in travellers, which in turn leads to increased visitor numbers and increased tourism spending. This increasing demand necessitates the expansion of services, which directly leads to the creation of an estimated value 14 million New jobs across the focus areas G20the European Unionand African Union. It is expected that these jobs will be created not only within the travel and tourism industry itself, but also across the broad supply chain, including retail, transportation, hospitality and related technology support services.

Technological foundations: basic principles and recommended procedures

The framework for achieving this digital transformation is carefully detailed in the report that outlines it Six main principles and 18 recommended actions Specially designed to make international travel a smoother experience. Topping the list of recommendations is the critical call for Complete digitization of visas and travel permits. This step would replace cumbersome, paper-based and time-consuming administrative tasks with real-time, verifiable digital processes.

In parallel with this digitization, the report urges its widespread adoption Digital identities and Biometric technologies. These advanced systems play an essential role in accelerating and enhancing border operations at the same time. Relying on biometrics, such as facial comparison technology, ensures that identities are verified quickly and accurately, fundamentally enhancing security while significantly reducing processing times.

A call for enhanced global cooperation and integration

Beyond the application of technology, success Better boundaries The initiative relies heavily on enhanced administrative and international cooperation. The key recommendation is to strengthen cooperation between key government departments, specifically Ministries of Tourism, Security and Finance. Integrated governance is essential to ensure border policy decisions are made with a comprehensive understanding of their security implications, economic impact, and operational feasibility.

Furthermore, two main implementation strategies were advocated. The first involves the ability to Pre-clearance of passengers prior to arrivalIt is a mechanism that significantly reduces congestion at the final destination border points. This strategy includes conducting the necessary checks and verifications remotely, allowing travelers to be quickly tracked upon landing. The second main strategy is the necessity of building Direct digital relationships with travelers.

Pioneers of Progress: Global Case Studies in Digital Implementation

The tangible benefits of digital transformation are not just theoretical; It is already being achieved in countries that have taken proactive steps towards modernization. The report specifically refers to: wethe United Arab Emiratesand Australia As leading examples of countries that are already reaping the benefits of their strategic technology investments.

condition we serves as a particularly powerful example. there, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) The organization has effectively deployed biometric facial comparison technology to process travelers entering the world US. This advanced system works in 238 airports Across the country, it’s a figure that includes everyone 14 CBP preclearance locations Located in international territory. The successful implementation of this technology demonstrates that a large number of travelers can be processed safely and efficiently through automated biometric methods. The integration of these systems demonstrates how enhanced safety protocols can be achieved in conjunction with significant improvements in speed of operation and passenger comfort.

Conclusion of the way forward

The data and recommendations he provided World Trade Center and Sita in Better boundaries The report sets an unambiguous path for the future of global travel. Expected addition of 401 billion dollars In GDP and creation 14 million New jobs are strong indicators of the economic rewards that await countries that embrace the digital age. By setting priorities Complete digitization of visas and travel permitsto implement Digital identities and Biometric technologiesBy strengthening collaborative governance across key ministries, a new era of safe, fast and seamless international travel can be established. Border modernization is emphatically emphasized as a non-negotiable strategic imperative for any country seeking sustainable economic growth and a competitive position in the rapidly expanding global tourism sector.