India’s travel and tourism industry is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, with a year-on-year growth rate of 44% in talent demand, as per a report by foundit, formerly known as Monster APAC & ME, a prominent talent platform. This substantial growth, observed in August 2023, signifies a promising recovery for the industry after enduring pandemic-induced challenges.
Several factors contribute to this impressive rebound, including increased disposable incomes, elevated spending on both leisure and business travel, and government initiatives aimed at boosting tourism.
Before the pandemic, the travel and tourism sector demonstrated a robust 16% growth rate in 2019. However, the industry faced severe setbacks during the pandemic, with a 47% decline in job postings in 2020 and a 27% drop in 2021, largely due to widespread travel restrictions and lockdowns. Although the industry experienced a modest 3% hiring uptick in 2022, this year’s significant recovery is primarily attributed to renewed confidence in travel and various government initiatives. India’s renowned affordable wellness industry has also played a pivotal role in bolstering medical tourism.
Sekhar Garisa, CEO of foundit, a Quess company, noted, “The Travel & Tourism industry has made a remarkable comeback from the pandemic, driven significantly by government initiatives focused on infrastructure development and heritage promotion. India’s decision to allow 100% FDI for tourism construction projects and its participation in the G20 summit have further strengthened sustainable tourism in the country. Emerging technologies like AI and AR/VR are also playing a crucial role in driving growth and enhancing visitor experiences, shaping the future of Indian tourism. To sustain this growth, the industry must focus on niche segments with high potential, such as wellness, adventure, sustainability, and cultural tourism, offering unique and well-promoted experiences.”
Key Hiring Trends in the Travel & Tourism Industry:
Demand for Gig Roles: The demand for gig roles within the travel industry has surged by 14% since January 2023. This shift is attributed to businesses investing in digital transformation and technology to recruit and retain employees, especially during peak seasons or for special events.
Roles in Demand: Sales and Business Development roles accounted for 23% of total demand, followed by Engineers (Software, Electrical) at 12%, and Marketing and Communication roles at 8%. Chefs and Medical Representatives also contributed significantly to overall demand.
City-Specific Trends: Tier-2 cities such as Jaipur (34%), Ahmedabad (33%), and Chandigarh (33%) showed the highest year-on-year increase in job postings for August 2023. Among metropolitan cities, Delhi (34%) witnessed the most significant growth, followed by Kolkata (21%), Chennai (19%), Hyderabad (8%), and Mumbai (5%).
44% YoY Increase, Report Reveals
Experience Levels: Freshers/Entry Level Talent (0-3 years) accounted for 49% of online hiring intent, followed by Intermediate level (4-6 years) and Top Management (15+ years) with a 14% share each.
Salary Trends: Minimum salaries ranged from INR 288,696 to INR 580,234 for freshers, INR 5,29,516 to INR 8,20,734 for intermediate professionals, INR 8,70,833 to INR 14,11,556 for mid-senior roles, and INR 12,19,515 to INR 18,55,291 for management professionals.
The report also underscores the emergence of tier-2 cities as prominent talent hubs, thanks to their rapid infrastructural expansion, diverse talent pools, and cost-efficient operations.
The surge in hiring activity within India’s travel and tourism sector signifies a strong rebound for the industry. As the sector continues to recover and grow, the focus on niche segments and the adoption of emerging technologies are expected to shape the future of Indian tourism.