India’s Travel Industry is Generating Employment Opportunities; Potential Worker Shortage Looms

The hotel, restaurant, and tourism sectors in India are experiencing a boom in job creation, with an estimated 200,000 new jobs expected to be generated within the next 12 to 18 months. According to recruitment company TeamLease Services, the hotel industry alone is projected to create 50% of these jobs, as reported by Economic Times.

Balasubramanian A., vice president of TeamLease, stated that as more hotels open across various markets, companies are actively recruiting for permanent, temporary, and gig positions. The Hotel Association of India (HAI) reported a significant 271% increase in hirings within the hotel industry over the past two years.

However, despite the positive outlook for job creation, the industry is facing challenges in retaining young workers. A report by the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council highlighted that low wages and long working hours are driving young professionals away from the industry. Dilip Puri, founder of the Indian School of Hospitality, noted that many hospitality graduates are finding better opportunities in sectors like retail, real estate, e-commerce, and startups.

To address these retention challenges, industry leaders emphasize the importance of offering competitive salaries, incentives such as health insurance, and promoting work-life balance. Collaboration between educational institutions and industry players is also seen as crucial to bridging the gap between hospitality education and industry requirements.

In an interview with Skift, Ajay Bakaya, managing director of Sarovar Hotels and Resorts, emphasized the need for organizations to evolve and meet the demands of the new generation of workers. As the industry continues to grow, adapting to the changing needs of employees will be essential for sustained success.