India’s Travel & Tourism Sector Set to Create 58 Million New Jobs by 2033
India has emerged as one of the top travel destinations globally, leading to significant growth in the travel and tourism ecosystem post-pandemic. According to a report by talent solutions provider NLB Services, the sector contributed Rs.15.9 trillion (US$ 191.25 billion) to India’s economy in 2022, with estimates projecting a rise to Rs. 16.5 trillion in 2023.
The report highlights the sector’s role as a crucial source of foreign exchange and employment generation, with 39 million jobs in the tourism sector in 2020, accounting for 8% of the nation’s total workforce. Following the pandemic recovery, the sector witnessed a rapid resurgence, with a 44% spike in talent demand in August 2023 and an expected addition of 1.6 million jobs in the current year.
Looking ahead, the travel and tourism sector is poised to create 58.2 million new jobs by 2033 across the country. The top states attracting domestic tourists include Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, while cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are driving the increase in hiring.
Prominent job profiles in demand include sales, business development, chefs, travel consultants, tour operators, hoteliers, guides, wildlife experts, and transportation providers. The sector is also witnessing a shift towards sustainable tourism and gig roles to address talent shortages and meet growing tourist demands.
With new subsets like destination wedding travel, religious tourism, and adventure sports tourism emerging, the travel and tourism sector in India is undergoing a massive transformation, offering a promising outlook for job seekers and industry professionals alike.