India’s tourism and hospitality sector is poised for a significant expansion, with the potential to generate 61 lakh new jobs by 2034, according to a new whitepaper released by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and EY. Titled “Reimagining Workforce Horizons: Employment Landscape in Tourism and Hospitality in India,” the report was unveiled at the 18th Annual CII Tourism Summit and highlights the sector’s crucial role in economic growth and job creation.
Currently, tourism and hospitality contribute approximately 8% to India’s total employment. Despite setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector is showing a strong recovery, largely driven by a resurgence in domestic tourism. This growth trajectory is expected to continue, with a projected rise in sectoral spending by 1.2 times by 2034, thereby necessitating the addition of a skilled workforce.
Gender Inclusion and Workforce Expansion
The report points out that of the 61 lakh new jobs expected by 2034, 46 lakh will be for men and 15 lakh for women. This growth underscores the sector’s potential in driving gender inclusion while also expanding the workforce. The findings also highlight the need for targeted strategies to attract and retain female workers in the sector, which could further boost employment opportunities.
Also Read IndiGo launches new Delhi-Rajahmundry and Delhi-Darbhanga flights – Check schedule here Indian Airports to witness Rs 60,000 crore capital expenditure surge by FY27, driven by growing passenger demand: Report From 10,000 additional general coaches to station redevelopment- Here’s how Indian Railways plans to enhance passenger experience Sagarmala Scheme: Goa govt plans to make state major cargo, cruise hub by 2025
Key Recommendations for Skills Development
To ensure that the workforce is equipped to meet future demands, the CII-EY report recommends a focus on specialized skills in areas such as digital marketing, sustainable tourism practices, and advanced customer service. These skills will be essential to cater to the evolving needs of both domestic and international tourists.
Several key initiatives are proposed to address the skills gap and enhance career prospects:
Gamified Learning Management Systems (LMS) for continuous professional development.
Collaboration with industry associations to create clear career advancement pathways.
Establishing a dedicated taskforce under the Ministry of Tourism to standardize skills and educational frameworks across the sector.
» Read More
