Rome, Italy – The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) presented a key report on the future of the sector’s workforce at the 25th Global Summit held in Rome. According to the report, although Travel & Tourism is expected to generate 91 million new jobs by 2035, demographic and structural changes could result in a global shortage of more than 43 million workers if preventive measures are not taken.

The report, “Future of the Travel & Tourism Workforce”, developed with the support of the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, Coraggio Group, Miles Partnership, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, analyzes 20 economies and is based on surveys of business leaders and in-depth interviews with WTTC members and other key stakeholders.

Sector growth and labor challenges

In 2024, Travel & Tourism supported 357 million jobs worldwide, a figure expected to reach 371 million this year. The report projects that in the next decade, 91 million new jobs will be created, representing one in three net new jobs globally.

However, labor demand is expected to exceed supply by more than 43 million people, leaving availability 16% below required levels. The hospitality industry will be among the most affected, with an estimated shortage of 8.6 million workers, while low-skilled jobs and those requiring direct human interaction will remain the most in demand, with 20 million additional workers needed.

The largest absolute deficits are projected for China (16.9 million), India (11 million), and the European Union (6.4 million), while in relative terms, Japan (-29%), Greece (-27%), and Germany (-26%) will face the highest labor gaps.

Statements from WTTC leaders

Gloria Guevara, interim CEO of WTTC, stated:
"Travel & Tourism will continue to be one of the largest job creators globally, offering opportunities for millions of people. But demographic and structural changes are transforming labor markets worldwide. This report is a call to action to work with governments and educational institutions to tackle these challenges, ensuring dynamic opportunities for future generations."

Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, highlighted:
"By 2035, one in three new jobs will come from the Travel & Tourism sector. Saudi Arabia demonstrates what can be achieved with vision and investment, with over 649,000 training opportunities and a workforce composed of nearly 50% women."

Building the workforce of the future

The report identifies key actions to address the labor gap:

• Inspire young people by showcasing the diversity of career opportunities in the sector.
• Strengthen collaboration between education and industry to develop real-world skills.
• Improve retention through leadership programs, clear promotion paths, and inclusive workplace cultures.
• Invest in digital literacy, AI adoption, and sustainable practices.
• Implement flexible policies to manage labor demand, including international recruitment and combining part-time and full-time positions.

Sara Meaney, managing partner at Coraggio Group, emphasized:
"This is an invitation to rethink how we attract, develop, and retain talent in a constantly changing environment. Purposeful investment in workplaces and career paths is key to redefining what it means to work in Travel & Tourism."

The Global Summit is held in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT, the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region, and supported by international partners such as MSC Group, Trip.com Group, Chase Travel (JPMC), and MMGY.

The WTTC report confirms that, despite these challenges, Travel & Tourism will remain a global pillar of employment creation and economic development, provided strategic planning and investment in the workforce continue.