Industries with Largest Number of Businesses in Global in 2026

• 1. Global Commercial Real Estate

  Number of Businesses for 2026: 8,806,479

  The current commercial real estate market is witnessing significant shifts because of various factors, including housing shortages and changes in office demand. An estimated shortfall of 6.5 million housing units in 14 major countries has increased demand for multifamily housing, pushing households towards renting rather than ownership. This trend is particularly prevalent in younger demographics and new immigrants. This reduction in owner-occupied properties is encouraging demand in certain ...

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• 2. Global Management Consultants

  Number of Businesses for 2026: 2,844,420

  The Global Management Consultants industry has thrived during a volatile economic period because its strategic guidance is essential to businesses' ability to navigate disruption. Although the global economy has grown, the pandemic, inflation and geopolitical shocks have forced businesses to significantly overhaul their supply chains amid ongoing technological advancements that are reshaping business operations. Consultants have been key to assisting companies with tech-driven solutions, info...

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• 3. Global Accounting Services

  Number of Businesses for 2026: 1,389,870

  Global accounting companies continue to benefit from robust demand across core markets, as the need for quality and efficient accounting services persists. Economic expansion in developed countries and high productivity growth in low-income nations fueled world GDP growth. Increasing M&A activity, particularly in developing markets such as the Middle East and Asia, broadened the scope of demand for accounting services ranging from consulting to auditing. However, elevated interest rates, ...

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• 4. Global Engineering Services

  Number of Businesses for 2026: 1,122,114

  The Global Engineering Services industry has expanded alongside a recovery of markets worldwide, prompting new investment that has fueled projects across key markets including the United States, Europe and East Asia. The economic environment has enabled downstream industries to invest in ventures involving engineering services, with higher production levels in OECD countries translating to new facilities, factories and other structures. Despite ongoing inflationary pressures, public sector in...

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• 5. Global Insurance Brokers & Agencies

  Number of Businesses for 2026: 1,043,167

  Insurance brokers and agencies worldwide have displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability in recent years, navigating a volatile macroeconomic landscape shaped by factors such as natural disasters, economic fluctuations and regulatory changes. Brokers and agents, who earn commissions tied to insurance policy premiums, play an essential role in helping consumers and businesses manage risk. The increased incidence of environmental hazards such as floods and wildfires has boosted demand for...

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• 6. Global HR & Recruitment Services

  Number of Businesses for 2026: 885,193

  HR and recruitment companies rely on a business' desire to outsource the recruitment process and human resource management activities. Regulation, especially for temporary employees, can hamstring providers, as this makes it more difficult to operate. Liberal labor laws in developed nations have been essential to recruitment companies' growth, and large companies are now focusing on emerging markets as they undergo the same process. As the economy normalized following the pandemic and labor m...

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• 7. Global Hotels & Resorts

  Number of Businesses for 2026: 809,734

  Over the past five years, the Global Hotels and Resorts industry has expanded. The current period started with a pandemic-low revenue level. As business and travel activities gradually resumed, industry revenue surpassed the pre-pandemic level in 2023. However, rising inflation following the pandemic and geopolitical tensions depressed the potential revenue growth. Further, stringent fatal aviation accidents and potential tariff war further deteriorate consumer confidence, inducing them to pu...

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• 8. Global Tourism

  Number of Businesses for 2026: 638,379

  The Global Tourism industry experienced a tumultuous journey over the five years to 2025.  The industry began to slowly recover in 2021 before surging in 2022 and 2023 as pent-up demand for travel drove robust industry performance. The industry has performed well despite recent inflation and economic uncertainty. However, the tariff war between the US and other countries has further increased uncertainty among businesses and leisure travelers, weighing on industry demand. Overall, industry re...

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• 9. Global Fast Food Restaurants

  Number of Businesses for 2026: 580,293

  The global fast food industry has seen its fortunes rise steadily, with a projected annualized growth rate of 4.1%, increasing its revenue to an impressive $1.1 trillion over the last five years up to 2025. This success is largely due to the rise in disposable income, enabling consumers to indulge in dining out. This is supported by steady and consistent demand from emerging markets, whose unique contribution has bolstered the industry's overall performance.

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• 10. Global Travel Agency Services

  Number of Businesses for 2026: 571,541

  Despite the considerable transformation in consumer behavior with the rise of online booking channels, the Global Travel Agency services have still seen a surge in revenue. The growth of online booking agencies has led to increased competition for traditional brick-and-mortar agencies, forcing them to reinvent their operations to stay competitive. Notably, there has been a noticeable decline in traditional travel agents in developed economies such as the United States a...

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