Global Industries with the Largest Number of Businesses in 2020

1. Global Hotels & Resorts

Number of Businesses for 2020: 447,045,000

Over the five years to 2019, the Global Hotels and Resorts industry experienced strong growth as both consumers and businesses became more confident about their finances and spent more liberally on luxuries, including travel. This culminated in a substantial increase in both travel rates and hotel room and occupancy rates, two indicators of a hotel's performance. Travel spending has also picked up quickly, especially in emerging economies where tourism is on the rise. Global tourist arrivals are expected to increase an annualized 5.0% to reach 1.5 billion over the five years to 2019. As a result of these positive trends,... Learn More

2. Global Commercial Real Estate

Number of Businesses for 2020: 4,057,565

The Global Commercial Real Estate (CRE) industry has grown tepidly over the five years to 2019. Early during the period, revenue thrived as global investor confidence and aggregate investment flourished. However, in 2015, investor confidence took a hit, which continued into 2016 largely due to global political uncertainty and low oil prices. This negatively affected investment in the industry, and revenue declined 1.2% in 2016. Global investment has since rebounded strongly amid strong global economic growth, which propelled industry revenue to recover. In 2018, global CRE investment grew to the highest level since the financial crisis of 2008, which aided... Learn More

3. Global Tourism

Number of Businesses for 2020: 2,587,352

The Global Tourism industry is expected to increase at an annualized rate of 1.5% to $1.7 over the five years to 2019. Global tourism has performed well during the five-year period, with emerging economies continuing to stimulate growth. Moreover, countries in Asia and South America have experienced robust growth in per capita income, which has enabled consumers in these regions to take overseas trips in increasing numbers. The benefits of this trend are expected to continue, with industry revenue forecast to grow 3.4% in 2019 alone.

The industry is highly fragmented and comprises both large conglomerates and small, local enterprises that... Learn More

4. Global Management Consultants

Number of Businesses for 2020: 1,964,239

Operators in the Global Management Consultants industry provide advisory services to a range of clients to help improve organizational performance. Consultants focus on topics such as organizational design, process management and corporate strategy. Over the five years to 2019, demand for management consulting services has increased as stronger corporate profitability has increased global aggregate private investment. Furthermore, the emergence of China, India and other growing economies has opened new doors for consultants. Consequently, industry revenue is projected to expand at an annualized rate of 3.3% to $680.0 billion over the five years to 2019, including revenue growing 3.1% in 2019... Learn More

5. Global Accounting Services

Number of Businesses for 2020: 1,669,874

Operators in the Global Accounting Services industry commonly provide a variety of services, such as the preparation of financial statements, the development of budgets and the review of auditing records for small, medium and large businesses. Stabilization and steady economic growth in developed nations, as well as continued strength in many emerging nations, have encouraged business creations and expansion, thereby increasing the potential pool of clientele for accounting firms. In addition, rising global equity values and an increase in investor optimism has sparked a jump in revenue from assurance-related work, as the industry commonly provides expertise for mergers and acquisitions,... Learn More

6. Global Insurance Brokers & Agencies

Number of Businesses for 2020: 1,249,648

The Global Insurance Brokers and Agencies industry plays a critical role in the insurance market by distributing policies and consulting insurance underwriters and consumers. Given the transaction-based nature of the industry, revenue primarily depends on three factors, which include policy pricing, demand for insurance and the popularity of using agents and brokers in the distribution process. The industry has benefited from a global growth cycle fueled by global economic growth and a strong performance in key markets. Overall, industry revenue is anticipated to grow an annualized 0.6% to $529.0 billion over the five years to 2019, despite a marginal decline... Learn More

7. Global Fast Food Restaurants

Number of Businesses for 2020: 564,970

Over the five years to 2020, the Global Fast Food Restaurants industry has expanded despite changing consumer tastes and a recovering global economy. As disposable income rose during the period, consumers increased spending on luxuries, such as eating out. Additionally, fast food operators outperformed full-service restaurants during this period, as many consumers capitalized on lower-priced and convenient food options. The industry also experienced steady and growing demand from emerging economies, which boosted the industry's overall performance. During the period, the industry has also been forced to adapt to increasingly health-conscious consumer preferences. While major fast food retailers have responded by... Learn More

8. Global Architectural Services

Number of Businesses for 2020: 514,763

The Global Architectural Services industry has expanded over the five years to 2019. Economic growth and an infusion of government-funded building projects in emerging nations fueled industry revenue early during the period. Moreover, increased employment and global consumer spending in developed economies has revived privately funded construction activity, ultimately benefiting architecture firms. However, volatile nonresidential construction activity in the US has hindered industry growth over the past five years. As a result, industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 2.2% to $317.0 billion over the five years to 2019, with revenue expected to increase 0.8% in... Learn More

9. Global Commercial Printing

Number of Businesses for 2020: 486,987

Revenue for the Global Commercial Printing industry has experienced steady growth over the five years to 2019, with poor performance in developed markets counteracted by strong performance in developing markets. Developed markets have contended with high levels of market saturation and an increased preference among consumers for digital media, which has cut into demand for publishing, a key industry. While a growing global economy over the past five years has improved demand conditions, online adoption and new technologies, such as smartphones and tablet devices, have constrained potential gains. However, continued growth in demand for such products in emerging markets has... Learn More

10. Global Car & Automobile Sales

Number of Businesses for 2020: 474,060

Over the five years to 2019, rising per capita income is expected to drive revenue growth for the Global Car and Automobile Sales industry. The industry's dependency on employment rates, global consumer spending, financing rates and the world price of crude oil make it vulnerable to economic shifts. During the period, the United States and many other developed nations have experienced stable economic growth, leading to increased consumer demand for big-ticket purchases, such as vehicles. As a result, industry revenue is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 2.7% to $4.0 trillion over the five years to 2019, including... Learn More