How Many Jobs Are There in the Tourism Industry?

By Michael Ferguson

The tourism industry is a significant contributor to the global economy. It encompasses a wide range of businesses, from hotels and restaurants to transportation and entertainment.

With so many different sectors involved, it’s no surprise that the tourism industry provides numerous employment opportunities. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at just how many jobs are available in this exciting field.

Overview of the Tourism Industry

Before diving into the numbers, let’s first define what we mean by the “tourism industry.” According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), tourism refers to “the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business, and other purposes.” This definition includes both domestic and international travel.

The tourism industry encompasses a broad range of businesses that support travelers during their trips. These include:

  • Hotels, motels, and other lodging establishments
  • Restaurants, cafes, and other food service providers
  • Tour operators and travel agencies
  • Airlines, trains, buses, and other transportation providers
  • Museums, amusement parks, zoos, and other attractions

Employment in the Tourism Industry

Now let’s get to the numbers. According to the UNWTO’s latest data from 2019:

  • The tourism industry directly employed approximately 330 million people worldwide.
  • This represents about one in ten jobs globally.
  • The sector also indirectly supported many more jobs in related industries such as construction and manufacturing.
  • In total, it’s estimated that tourism supports around one in four jobs globally.

Regional Differences

Of course, the number of tourism-related jobs varies significantly by region. Here are a few key statistics:

  • In Europe, the tourism industry directly employed around 18 million people in 2019.
  • In Asia and the Pacific, this number was closer to 150 million.
  • In Africa, tourism directly supported about 24 million jobs.

Types of Jobs

So what types of jobs make up the tourism industry? Here are just a few examples:

  • Hotel managers and staff
  • Tour guides and operators
  • Airline pilots and flight attendants
  • Restaurant servers and chefs
  • Attraction attendants and performers

The Future of Tourism Jobs

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the tourism industry, leading to widespread layoffs and job losses. However, experts predict that as travel resumes in the coming years, many of these jobs will return.

In fact, some projections suggest that the number of tourism-related jobs could continue to grow in the future. For example, a report from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that by 2029, the industry will support over 400 million jobs worldwide.

Conclusion

The tourism industry is a massive employer worldwide, supporting millions of jobs across numerous sectors. While COVID-19 has caused significant disruption in the short term, experts predict that employment opportunities in this field will rebound as travel resumes. Whether you’re interested in working in hotels, restaurants, transportation or attractions – there’s sure to be a role for you within this exciting industry!