With more and more people spending higher amounts on travelling for leisure as well as business purposes, the travel and tourism sector has witnessed a 44 per cent jump in hiring.
According to a Foundit report, 23 per cent of the top job roles in demand across the travel and tourism industry are in sales and business development, 12 per cent in software and electrical engineering and eight per cent in marketing and communication.
Freshers are more valued, as they are cost-effective, adaptable and ready to embrace new technologies in the industry, including artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented/virtual reality. Gig roles are also on the rise, including translators, tour guides, event planners, photographers and others who are paid per project for their expertise.
In 2019, the travel and tourism industry witnessed a 16 per cent growth. However, in 2020 the pandemic resulted in a 47 per cent decline in available jobs followed by a 27 per cent decline in 2021 when flights were grounded, international borders were sealed and mobility was restricted.
There was only about three per cent increase in hiring last year, that is, 2022. This year, however, there has been a significant revival. In addition to the keenness and spending power of travellers going up, the government has also been doing its bit to push tourism.
The demand for chefs and medical representatives has also grown.
In August 2023, the demand was the highest for those with nil or less than three years of experience, that is, freshers and entry-level talent. They formed 49 per cent of the online hiring. About 14 per cent of the hiring was for those with four to six years of experience, that is, intermediate-level professionals and top management professionals, that is, possessing over 15 years of experience.
Gig workers are in demand too in the travel space. In fact, there has been a 14 per cent increase in gig roles since January 2023. They are sought after during peak seasons, as they are an effective way to control spending on labour.
Tourism often experiences seasonal demand fluctuations, making gig work a flexible solution, especially during peak times and special events. Gig workers help companies manage labour costs efficiently during slower periods.
