What Is the Job Outlook for Travel and Tourism?

By Michael Ferguson

The travel and tourism industry has always been a significant contributor to the global economy, with millions of people traveling every year for leisure, business, and various other purposes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought this industry to a standstill, causing huge losses and job cuts. In this article, we will explore the job outlook for travel and tourism in the current scenario.

Impact of COVID-19 on Travel and Tourism

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the travel and tourism industry. With international borders closed and restrictions on domestic travel, airlines, hotels, restaurants, and other related businesses have suffered massive losses. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the pandemic has led to a loss of 62 million jobs globally in 2020 alone.

Current Job Market in Travel and Tourism

The current job market in travel and tourism is challenging due to the ongoing pandemic. Many businesses have shut down permanently or temporarily suspended their operations, leading to massive layoffs. However, with vaccinations becoming more widely available and restrictions slowly easing up globally, there is hope for recovery.

According to a report by McKinsey & Company, there will be a significant increase in domestic travel as people continue to prioritize health and safety concerns while planning their trips. This trend will lead to job opportunities in areas such as domestic airlines, car rentals, local accommodations like resorts or bed-and-breakfasts.

Future Job Outlook for Travel and Tourism

The future job outlook for travel and tourism largely depends on how quickly economies recover from the pandemic. According to research by Oxford Economics commissioned by WTTC, it is estimated that by 2023 global travel spending will reach pre-pandemic levels leading to an additional 21 million jobs globally compared to 2019 levels.

However, there will be changes in how people plan their trips due to the pandemic, leading to new job opportunities in areas such as health and safety, contactless technology, and sustainable tourism. Additionally, the rise of remote work may result in a growing trend of digital nomads who combine work and travel.

Conclusion

The travel and tourism industry has faced unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with vaccinations becoming more widely available and economies slowly recovering, there is hope for recovery in the future. While there may be changes in how people plan their trips, this will also lead to new job opportunities.