The travel and tourism industry is one of the most competitive in the world. In 2023, its direct contribution to global GDP reached approximately £8.1 trillion ($9.9tn), accounting for a significant 9.1% of the world's economy. With an enormous 1.3 billion international tourist arrivals taking place last year, 2024 is set to break even more records.

Click through this gallery for some surprising stats and facts about the modern travel industry, from the world's largest hotel to the most powerful passport...