The travel and tourism sector will account for one in three new jobs globally by 2035 but faces a potential workforce shortfall of more than 43m people, according to a report from the World Travel & Tourism Council.
The report, launched at WTTC’s Global Summit in Rome, analysed 20 major economies and found that demand for workers will outpace supply by 16% over the next decade. The study was developed with support from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, Coraggio Group, Miles Partnership and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
The sector supported 357m jobs in 2024 and is forecast to support 371m this year. By 2035, it is projected to generate 91m new roles.
The hospitality industry faces an expected gap of 8.6m workers, 18% below required staffing levels. Low-skilled roles requiring human interaction will remain in highest demand, with more than 20m additional workers needed.
China faces the largest absolute shortfall at 16.9m workers, followed by India at 11m and the European Union at 6.4m. Japan’s travel sector will see supply sit 29% below 2035 demand levels, followed by Greece at 27% and Germany at 26%.
The report attributes the gap to shrinking working-age populations and the sector’s faster growth compared to the broader economy. Many workers left during the pandemic when travel came to a standstill.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC interim chief executive officer, said: “Travel & Tourism is set to remain one of the world’s biggest job creators, offering opportunities for millions of people worldwide. But we must also recognise that wider demographic and structural changes are reshaping labour markets everywhere. This report is a call to action. By working together with governments and educators, our sector will meet these challenges and continue to be one of the most rewarding sectors, offering dynamic futures for the next generations.”
Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for Saudi Arabia, added: “By 2035, one in three new jobs will come from travel and tourism, no other sector can claim that. Saudi Arabia shows what vision and investment can achieve, with over 649,000 training opportunities, and a workforce that is nearly 50% women.”
