Modernising border management could boost the global economy by US$401 billion and generate 14 million new jobs across G20, European Union, and African Union nations by 2035, according to a new report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in partnership with air transport technology company SITA.
The report titled ‘Better Borders’ outlines how adopting digital technologies and implementing smarter visa policies could transform borders into key national assets to enhance security, increase tourism and improve economic competitiveness.
With global travel and tourism expected to contribute US$16.5 trillion to GDP and account for 12.5 per cent of the world’s workforce by 2035, WTTC and SITA said that border modernisation has become a strategic necessity for governments.
Digital tech to transform border travel
The report proposes six guiding principles and 18 recommended actions to make international travel more efficient and secure. Among the key recommendations are full digitalisation of visas and travel authorisations, the integration of digital identities and the use of biometric systems to accelerate border processing.
It also calls for greater collaboration between tourism, security and finance ministries, the introduction of pre-clearance systems to reduce congestion and stronger digital communication channels with travellers to enhance trust and the overall travel experience.
“Technology now allows us to achieve what was once thought impossible: stronger borders and smoother travel,” said Gloria Guevara, Interim CEO of WTTC.
“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.”
Pedro Alves, Senior Vice President for Border Management at SITA, said: “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.”
The Better Borders report highlights several global examples of how digital transformation has already improved travel efficiency and border control.
In the US, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses biometric facial comparison technology to process travellers at 238 airports, including 14 CBP pre-clearance locations and 57 international departure sites.
The UAE has introduced artificial intelligence tools that significantly reduce visa processing times, with some approvals now completed within hours.
In Australia, SmartGate technology using facial recognition has reduced border clearance times, with 79 per cent of arrivals eligible to use SmartGates by mid-2025.
According to the report, 75 per cent of travellers prefer biometric processes over manual procedures and 85 per cent are willing to share their data in advance if it results in a faster and smoother experience.
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