India's Tourism Sector Set to Create 24 Million New Jobs by 2033 as Smaller Cities Flourish
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Synopsis
India's tourism industry is projected to generate 24 million job opportunities by 2033, largely due to the growth of smaller cities. The workforce will be balanced with 75% males and 25% females. The sector is set for significant expansion, driven by emerging trends and increasing religious tourism.
Key Takeaways
- 24 million job opportunities expected by 2033.
- 75% male and 25% female talent distribution.
- 7.1% annual growth in tourism GDP.
- $59 billion revenue forecast by 2028.
- Emerging trends in religious tourism.
New Delhi, Jan 26 (NationPress) The swift growth of smaller cities in India is anticipated to create 24 million job opportunities in tier 2 and 3 markets by 2033, featuring a balanced workforce of 75% male and 25% female talent, based on a recent report.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), India's travel and tourism GDP is expected to expand at an average annual rate of 7.1% over the next decade. At present, the tourism and hospitality sector accounts for nearly 8% of India's total employment.
This growth trajectory is predicted to accelerate, with sectoral expenditure projected to increase by 1.2 times by 2034, highlighting the demand for a highly skilled workforce to satisfy future needs, as stated in the report by NLB Services, a global technology and digital talent solutions provider.
While major metropolitan areas have historically fueled India's tourism sector, tier 2 and 3 cities are becoming significant contributors. Travelers are increasingly pursuing off-the-beaten-path destinations, driven by the surge of staycations post-pandemic, enhanced connectivity, and a rising interest in religious tourism.
"By taking advantage of the expansion of Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations, embracing emerging trends, and developing a skilled workforce, this sector is set to play a pivotal role in the nation's economic and social advancement,” remarked Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services.
Religious tourism has notably been a key growth driver, gaining traction year after year.
The sector is projected to generate $59 billion in revenue by 2028 and create a substantial number of temporary and permanent jobs by 2030.
The rising dependence on gig and temporary labor is providing flexible job opportunities, particularly during peak seasons.
For example, the Mahakumbh 2025 event is expected to create around 1.2 million gig and temporary jobs across various roles, including hotel staff, tour guides, and travel coordinators, to manage the influx of visitors.
Religious tourism hotspots such as Ayodhya, Ujjain, Badrinath, Varanasi, Haridwar, Mathura, Tirupati, Amritsar, and Bodhgaya are at the forefront of this growth, according to the report.
In addition to religious tourism, cities like Lucknow, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kochi, Rishikesh, Ahmedabad, Shillong, Guwahati, and Agra are experiencing remarkable development due to their cultural importance and improved connectivity.
Trends such as destination weddings, adventure sports tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, and rural tourism are further advancing these destinations.
To sustain this growth and accommodate future workforce needs, attention to the upcoming budget will be crucial. Initiatives that support training for tour guides, hotel staff, logistics operators, and local artisans can bolster the sector’s foundation, the report emphasized.
