How Many Jobs Are Found in Tourism Around the World?

By Robert Palmer

Tourism is one of the largest industries in the world, employing millions of people across various sectors. It’s a multifaceted industry that includes accommodation, transportation, food and beverage, recreation, and many other services. In this article, we will explore how many jobs are found in tourism around the world.

What is Tourism?

Tourism refers to the activity of traveling to different places for leisure, business, or any other purpose. It involves a wide range of services and activities that cater to the needs of travelers. The tourism industry is known for its contribution to economic growth and job creation.

Tourism Industry Employment Statistics

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism industry generated 319 million jobs globally in 2018. This accounts for 10.4% of total employment worldwide. The WTTC expects this number to increase to 421 million jobs by 2029.

Direct Employment

Direct employment refers to jobs that are directly related to providing tourism services such as hotel staff, tour operators, travel agents, and restaurant staff. In 2018, direct employment in the tourism industry was estimated at 144 million jobs globally.

Indirect Employment

Indirect employment refers to jobs that support the tourism industry but are not directly related to providing services such as construction workers who build hotels or farmers who supply food for restaurants. In 2018, indirect employment in the tourism industry was estimated at 175 million jobs globally.

Tourism Industry by Region

The distribution of tourism jobs varies across different regions of the world. According to WTTC data from 2018:

  • The Asia-Pacific region had the highest number of direct tourism jobs with over 65 million.
  • Europe had the highest total number of tourism-related jobs (direct and indirect) with over 72 million.
  • The Americas had the highest percentage of total employment in the tourism industry with 13.9%.

Conclusion

Tourism is a significant contributor to global employment, providing millions of jobs worldwide. The industry’s contribution to job creation is expected to continue growing in the future. With its diverse range of services and activities, tourism offers a wide range of employment opportunities across various sectors.