Mumbai: The tourism and hospitality sector is on track to create 61 lakh new jobs by 2034 in India, according to a recent report. Released during the 18th Annual CII Tourism Summit by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and EY, the report highlights the sector’s strong recovery after setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The resurgence is largely driven by domestic tourism, which has boosted employment opportunities and economic growth. Currently, the tourism and hospitality sector accounts for 8% of India’s total employment, reflecting its importance in the country’s economy.
Projected Growth in Employment
The report predicts that spending in the tourism and hospitality sector will increase by 1.2 times by 2034. This growth will require an additional 61 lakh workers, including 46 lakh men and 15 lakh women. The sector’s potential for gender inclusion is significant, as it offers opportunities for women to join the workforce in large numbers.
The report also anticipates that by 2036-37, the sector will need another 61.31 lakh workers to meet the demands of rising tourism activities. This expansion underscores the importance of strategic efforts to upskill workers and create an inclusive work environment.
Need for Specialised Skills
To prepare for this growing demand, the report highlights the need for specialised skills in areas such as digital marketing, sustainable tourism, and customer service. It recommends implementing gamified learning management systems (LMS) to promote continuous professional development and collaboration with industry associations to create clear career pathways.
The report also suggests forming a dedicated task force under the Ministry of Tourism to standardise skills and education across the sector. This initiative could help address skill gaps and ensure a well-prepared workforce for the future.
Focus on Women Resources
The CII-EY report emphasises the importance of encouraging workforce participation, particularly among women and marginalised communities. Targeted efforts to upskill these groups will be essential to bridge existing skill gaps and maximise the sector’s potential for employment and economic development.
The report also highlights the role of medical tourism as an emerging opportunity. By capitalising on this niche, India can further expand its tourism offerings and create additional jobs.
Recommendations for Growth
To accelerate job creation and improve operational efficiency, the report calls for the establishment of a central tourism and hospitality body. This organisation would streamline governance, address fragmented infrastructure, and oversee policy implementation.
Aligned with global trends, the report advocates for integrating Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to position India as a hub for creative tourism. Other recommendations include granting industry status to the sector, offering targeted subsidies, and introducing Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) schemes.
Tourism Employment Index
The report introduces a Tourism Employment Index (TEI) to better understand employment dynamics in the sector. It also explores the potential of the gig economy to provide flexible, high-quality services during peak seasons.
Community-driven programmes and the preferences of Gen Z workers are identified as key enablers of a more inclusive and innovative work environment. By leveraging these trends, the sector can attract and retain talent while meeting the demands of a growing industry.
India’s tourism and hospitality sector is poised for significant growth in the coming years, with 61 lakh new jobs expected by 2034. To meet this demand, the sector must focus on upskilling workers, promoting gender inclusion, and adopting innovative technologies.
With strategic efforts and targeted policies, the tourism and hospitality sector can play a vital role in India’s economic development, creating opportunities for millions of workers and driving sustainable growth.
