WTTC forecasts 91 million new Travel and Tourism jobs by 2035

International

But report warns of a 43 million workforce shortfall without urgent planning

Travel & Tourism is on track to remain one of the world’s biggest engines of job creation, according to a landmark report launched today by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). The sector is forecast to generate 91 million new jobs by 2035 – equal to one in three net new jobs created globally.

But the Future of the Travel & Tourism Workforce report also warns of a looming shortfall of more than 43 million workers if demographic and structural challenges are not addressed.

A sector outpacing global growth

In 2024, Travel & Tourism supported a record 357 million jobs worldwide; this year the figure is expected to rise to 371 million. Over the next decade, the sector is projected to expand far faster than the wider economy.

By 2035, labour demand will outstrip supply by 16%, leaving millions of roles unfilled. The hospitality industry alone faces an 18% shortfall – equal to 8.6 million workers. Low-skilled, people-facing roles, which cannot easily be automated, will be among the hardest to fill.

Regional hotspots for shortages

Among the 20 major economies analysed, the largest absolute gaps are forecast in China (16.9 million), India (11 million) and the European Union (6.4 million).

In relative terms, Japan faces the steepest deficit, with labour supply projected to meet only 71% of demand by 2035. Greece (-27%) and Germany (-26%) also face severe shortages.

Industry leaders call for action

“Travel & Tourism is set to remain one of the world’s biggest job creators,” said Gloria Guevara, Interim CEO of WTTC. “But shrinking working-age populations and increased global competition for talent are reshaping labour markets. This report is a call to action – we must work with governments and educators to close the gap and secure the future of our workforce.”

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, added: “By 2035, one in three new jobs will come from Travel & 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.”

Sara Meaney, Managing Partner at Coraggio Group, said: “This is our chance to redefine what it means to work in Travel & Tourism. The sector must design jobs that inspire, support careers that evolve, and create workplaces that reflect the values of today’s workforce.”

Building a future-ready workforce

The report outlines key measures to close the gap:

· Inspire more young people by promoting the diversity and excitement of Travel & Tourism careers

· Strengthen alignment between education and industry to ensure training meets employers’ needs

· Boost retention with leadership programmes, career pathways, and inclusive workplace cultures

· Invest in digital literacy, AI adoption, and sustainability to prepare workers for future demands

· Introduce flexible policies, from easing cross-border recruitment to combining part-time roles into full-time jobs

Collaboration essential

WTTC stresses that addressing the workforce challenge will require joint action by governments, businesses, and educators. With coordinated planning and investment, the sector can continue to deliver prosperity, innovation, and opportunity for communities worldwide.

The report was launched at WTTC’s 25th Global Summit in Rome, hosted in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region. Supporting partners include the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, Coraggio Group, Miles Partnership, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and leading private sector stakeholders.

Full report available: Future of the Travel & Tourism Workforce.