A substantial surge in hospitality jobs across India has marked a notable post-pandemic recovery, signaling a promising future for the industry. According to data unveiled by Indeed, a global hiring and matching platform, the tourism and hospitality sector experienced a remarkable 50 percent increase in hiring between December 2022 and 2023. The quarterly Blue-collar hiring tracker from Indeed also highlighted an overall 8 percent rise in blue-collar hiring within the industry.
This surge not only demonstrates the resilience of the job market but also anticipates a thriving future for the hospitality sector amid evolving global trends.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)’s Economic Impact Research had previously predicted India’s ascent as the third most influential market in the global Travel & Tourism industry. Indeed’s data further supports this prediction, revealing a peak in hiring for the tourism industry in October 2023, with a substantial 61 percent rise compared to December 2022. This surge can be attributed to factors like October’s popularity for tourism due to weather changes, hill station visits, the festive season, and more.
Leading the surge in hiring are top cities such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Kochi. Delhi NCR, with 23 percent of job postings, stands as a historical and cultural hub known for its architectural marvels and culinary delights. Following closely, Mumbai and Bengaluru contributed 5.19 percent and 6.78 percent, respectively, showcasing their unique advantages in the tourism sector. Pune (2.33 percent) and Kochi (2.41 percent) also made significant contributions, with Kochi being Kerala’s commercial, industrial, and financial capital, often referred to as the crowning jewel of Kerala’s tourism.
In 2023, the tourism and hospitality industry witnessed a shift in traveler priorities, emphasizing sustainability and hygiene. Travelers are now more specific about itineraries, focusing on reducing energy consumption, embracing nature, and enjoying local experiences. Automation has also made its mark with virtual reality tours and chatbot-assisted ticket bookings. The job market is adapting to these emerging trends, contributing to the growth and evolution of the tourism sector.
