Travel and tourism sector witnesses 44% hiring surge in August

The travel and tourism sector in India experienced a remarkable 44% increase in hiring demand in August compared to the same month the previous year, as reported on Wednesday. This substantial growth can be attributed to rising disposable incomes and increased spending on both leisure and business travel within the country. This data comes from a report by foundit (formerly Monster APAC & ME).

Before the pandemic, the travel and tourism sector displayed a robust 16% growth in 2019. However, due to pandemic-related disruptions, travel restrictions, and lockdowns, there was a sharp 47% decline in job postings in 2020 and a 27% dip in 2021. While the industry saw a modest 3% increase in hiring in 2022, it has made a significant recovery this year as people regained confidence in travel.

The foundit report is based on data as of August 2023 and includes annual data comparisons for August 2023 against August 2022.

Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, a Quess company, stated, "The travel and tourism industry has truly bounced back from the pandemic with a boom, driven significantly by government initiatives focused on infrastructural development and heritage promotion." He also noted India's move to allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) for tourism construction projects and participation in the G20 summit as factors that have bolstered sustainable tourism in the country.

Garisa highlighted the role of emerging technologies such as AI and AR/VR in driving growth and enhancing visitor experiences in the industry, shaping the future of Indian tourism.

He emphasized the need for the industry to adapt to changing traveler demands by offering unique, sustainable, and well-promoted experiences. Focusing on niche segments with high growth potential, such as wellness, adventure, sustainability, and cultural tourism, can ensure continued success for the industry.

According to foundit data, the top job roles in demand in the travel and tourism industry include sales and business development (23%), software and electrical engineers (12%), and marketing and communication (8%). Roles such as chefs (5%) and medical representatives (5%) also accounted for a significant share of overall demand.

In terms of job postings, tier II cities such as Jaipur (34%), Ahmedabad (33%), and Chandigarh (33%) reported the highest increase in August compared to the same month the previous year. This trend is attributed to the rise of tier II cities as prominent talent hubs, thanks to their swift infrastructural expansion, vast talent pools, diverse skill sets, and cost-efficient operations.

The report also highlighted that freshers accounted for the highest demand share in the travel and tourism sector across experience levels. Companies are increasingly hiring freshers for their cost-efficiency, adaptability, and readiness to navigate the evolving travel industry.

After the pandemic's adverse effects, including layoffs and economic downturns, many businesses are now investing in digital transformation and technology to attract and retain employees. This includes embracing the gig model to address talent deficits and meet the growing demand in the travel sector. Data from foundit revealed a 14% growth in gig roles since January 2023.