Travel and Tourism Sector Set to Add 91 Million Jobs Globally: WTTC Study
Even with layoffs hitting many sectors around the world, good news comes from travel and tourism. This field should create 91 million new jobs in the next ten years, says a fresh report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The study points out that travel and tourism will drive one of every three new jobs created worldwide over the decade. Yet it flags a risk of worker shortages if shifts in population and job structures go unchecked. Titled “The Future of the Travel and Tourism Workforce,” the report looks at 20 key economies.
Report Unveiled at 25th Global Summit
The WTTC focuses on policies and the economic and social impacts of travel and tourism around the globe. It shared this report at its 25th Global Summit in Rome last week. The data draws from global research, such as company polls, member feedback, and talks with key players.
The report notes that 2024 brought peak demand for travel and tourism. The sector’s share of global GDP grew 8.5% to $10.9 trillion—6% above 2019 pre-pandemic figures. In that time, 20.7 million jobs appeared, pushing total sector employment to 357 million worldwide.
Risk of 43 Million Worker Shortfall
The WTTC forecasts 91 million new jobs in the decade ahead. Still, by 2035, the sector might lack 43 million workers—a 16% mismatch between job needs and available labor. This gap will hit all 20 economies in the study.
The biggest shortfalls are expected in:
China: 16.9 million
India: 11 million
European Union: 6.4 million
The report stresses Europe’s role as the top tourism center, with five of the ten largest markets by GDP. The Middle East grows fast too, driven by Saudi Arabia’s record tourist spending and big infrastructure pushes.
