For decades, the world’s borders have operated a bit like a queue at the post office: long, slow, and vaguely character-building. Now, a new global report suggests governments may finally have the tools and the economic incentive to bring border control into the modern century. If they get it right, the rewards could be enormous: a $401 billion boost to the global economy and 14 million new jobs by 2035.
That’s the finding of a significant piece of research released by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in partnership with aviation technology heavyweight SITA. Their verdict? Smarter borders aren’t just an administrative upgrade; they’re a strategic asset waiting to be tapped.
And with global travel demand climbing back to record levels, the message is simple: the future traveller wants to glide, not shuffle.
A Turning Point for Global Travel
The Better Borders report lands at a time when the global Travel & Tourism sector is tipped to balloon to US$16.5 trillion in GDP by 2035, supporting around 12.5% of the world’s workforce. That’s nearly one in eight jobs tied, in some way, to people stepping on planes, crossing borders, or showing passports.
WTTC and SITA argue that with those numbers on the horizon, border modernisation is no longer merely clever; it’s critical.
The report outlines six guiding principles and 18 recommended actions, all aimed at delivering a more efficient, trusted, and frankly less frustrating border experience. At the top of the list are priorities that would make even the most patient traveller breathe a sigh of relief:
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Full digitalisation of visas and travel authorisations
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Widespread adoption of digital identities
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Biometric processing at entry and exit points
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Stronger cooperation between the tourism, security, and finance ministries
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Pre-clearance systems to unclog airport bottlenecks
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Real-time digital engagement with travellers
The takeaway? Borders shouldn’t feel like brick walls; they should run more like well-oiled turnstiles.
“Stronger borders and smoother travel can coexist”
WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara says the technology to reshape border controls has already arrived, and governments need to adopt it.
“Technology now allows us to achieve what was once thought impossible: stronger borders and smoother travel. By embracing digital identities, biometrics, and advanced data systems, countries can make journeys faster and more secure at the same time.
“The solutions are already here. Governments that take action today will see clear benefits tomorrow, from safer borders and greater traveller confidence to increased visitor numbers and economic growth.”
If that’s not a polite global nudge, it’s close enough.
SITA’s Senior Vice President of Border Management, Pedro Alves, adds that the heart of the transformation isn’t just shiny machinery, it’s data, and the confidence governments can place in it.
“Borders today must be dynamic, integrated, and seamless. That means adapting in real time to global events, connecting agencies around a shared view of the traveller, and delivering the seamless experience people expect.
“At the heart of this transformation is data. Specifically, the ability to trust the identity data that drives every decision. When governments can rely on high-quality data, they can move faster, act earlier, and focus resources better. That’s not just good for national security. It’s essential for tourism, trade, and the traveller experience.”
In other words, the smoother the data flows, the softer the travellers will be too.
Proven Success Stories From Around the World
While some nations are still wrestling with legacy paperwork, others are already sprinting ahead, and the results speak for themselves.
United States
The U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has rolled out biometric facial comparison at 238 airports, including all 14 CBP pre-clearance locations. A further 57 airports use the same technology for departures. The payoff? Faster processing, shorter queues, and stronger security oversight are a trifecta most governments only dream of.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE continues to position itself as the globe’s de facto tech showroom. AI has slashed some visa processing times from days to hours, while AI-assisted visa applications ensure travellers don’t get tripped up by minor errors that can cost days in delays.
Australia
Closer to home, Australia has become something of a biometrics frontrunner. SmartGate technology, which uses facial recognition, is now available to 79% of arrivals, and about three-quarters of eligible travellers use it without much prompting. Border clearance times have dropped dramatically, and Australians have wasted considerably less of their lives in “please wait behind the yellow line” purgatory.
Travellers Want Biometrics – and They’re Willing to Share Data
The report highlights two statistics that may surprise governments more than consumers:
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75% of travellers prefer biometrics to manual processes
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85% are willing to share data in advance for a faster journey
In simple terms, trust is growing, and patience is not.
This shift, the report argues, should galvanise governments to “act now”, not wait five years. With border workloads only expected to rise, modern systems aren’t just helpful; they may soon be indispensable.
A Border Revolution With Economic Weight Behind It
If borders become more efficient, the economic impact could be profound:
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$401 billion in additional global GDP
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14 million new jobs
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Stronger security
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Better traveller confidence
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Higher visitor volumes
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A meaningful competitive edge for countries that modernise early
Less time waiting at airports, more time contributing to the global economy, it’s a rare win-win.
The Path Forward
WTTC and SITA are unequivocal: the world has a window of opportunity, and it’s open now. Governments that embrace biometrics, digital identities, and intelligent data systems stand to modernise not just their borders, but their economies, reputations, and readiness for the next generation of global travel.
And in the grand tradition of progress, those who cling to paper forms and manual queues may find themselves slipping behind economically and experientially.
Because, as the report neatly puts it, the future of travel begins at the border.
By Sandra Jones – (c) 2025
Read Time: 5 minutes.
About the Writer
Sandra has spent much of her working life untangling the world for others, one itinerary, one dream, one frazzled traveller at a time. With years spent in some of Australia’s best-known travel agencies, she’s the calm voice on the line when flights go missing, luggage takes its own holiday, or someone decides to “see Europe properly” in nine days.
A qualified travel consultant with a knack for making sense of chaos, Sandra fine-tuned her skills through a specialised advisory course, the sort that teaches both knowledge and patience in equal measure. But the storyteller in her was never far away. A later foray into writing gave her the perfect excuse to blend that industry wisdom with her gift for words.
Now, through Global Travel Media, Sandra shares the small truths of travel, its frustrations, laughter, and quiet moments that make every journey worth the fuss.
