WTTC projects travel and tourism will support 91 million new jobs by 2035
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released a landmark report forecasting that the Travel & Tourism sector will generate 91 million new jobs globally by 2035. However, the report cautions that unless workforce planning keeps pace, there could be a shortfall of more than 43 million workers across 20 key economies.In 2024, the sector supported 357 million jobs worldwide and is projected to support 371 million in 2025. Over the next decade, it is expected to deliver one in every three net new jobs globally.Yet structural and demographic headwinds may leave labour supply 16 per cent below demand by 2035.
The report highlights substantial staffing gaps, especially in hospitality, estimating a global deficit of 8.6 million workers by 2035 — around 18 per cent short of required levels.Roles that rely on human interaction, which are hard to automate, will remain in high demand, particularly low-skilled and service-facing positions.
WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara said, “Travel & Tourism is set to remain one of the world’s biggest job creators, offering opportunities for millions. But wider demographic and structural changes are reshaping labour markets. This report is a call to action. By working together with governments and educators, our sector must unlock the potential in their countries.”
The report outlines key strategies to bridge the gap:
• Attract youth to Travel & Tourism by showcasing diverse career pathways
• Align educational curricula with industry needs and increase experiential training
• Improve staff retention through clear leadership pipelines and inclusive workplaces
• Invest in digital skills, AI adoption and sustainable practices to boost productivity
• Introduce flexible staffing policies and reduce barriers to international hiring
WTTC emphasises that addressing this challenge will require the collective efforts of governments, industry stakeholders and educational institutions to ensure that Travel & Tourism continues to deliver growth, innovation and opportunity.
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