Over 1.6 million travel and tourism jobs set to be created in India

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR), India’s travel and tourism sector is experiencing a robust recovery and is expected to approach pre-pandemic levels this year.

During the G20 Summit in India, Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, emphasised the sector’s resilience, with growth outpacing GDP in India and all other G20 nations. WTTC research predicts that the sector will contribute INR 16.5 trillion to the Indian economy this year, a mere 3.5% below the 2019 figures.

In addition, it is projected to generate over 1.6 million additional jobs this year, recovering nearly all the jobs lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The total employment in the sector is estimated to reach almost 39 million, with approximately one in every 13 workers in India being part of the Travel & Tourism industry. International visitor spending in India is expected to surpass INR 2 trillion, while domestic visitor spending is forecasted to exceed INR 12.6 trillion.

Simpson also expressed that the G20 Presidency allows India to showcase the economic and social significance of travel and tourism, particularly during this crucial phase of the global economy. The sector provides substantial job opportunities and exciting careers, particularly for young people engaging in sustainable tourism as part of the “Travel for Life” initiative.

WTTC has convened a panel of private sector leaders at the G20 Summit to openly discuss the sector’s opportunities and challenges. Further, Simpson stressed the importance of government support in ensuring reliable energy sources and the production of sustainable aviation fuel to sustain growth.