The travel and tourism industry, one of the first industries that witnessed the immediate effects of the global recession last year, is finally reviving. Not only is the country back on the international traveller’s list of favourite holiday destinations, but inbound travel too has witnessed an upswing. Though the tourism department has tightened the visa norms in wake of the recent terrorist attacks in the country, inbound, outbound as well as corporate travel in the country has seen a positive uptrend recently. The global travel and tourism industry is one of the most sensitive industries to external issues ranging from economic downturns to natural disasters and terrorist attacks, it is also one of the most resilient industries. The long-term potential of the Indian travel and tourism industry remains strong, and the short-term outlook is positive.
A global forum for business leaders in the travel and tourism industry, the industry employs approximately 220 million people and generates over 9.4% of world GDP. The contribution of this sector to the employment statistics in India is expected to rise from 49,086,000 jobs in 2010 to 58,141,000 jobs by 2020.
The industry proffers employment opportunities in the public as well as private sector. Aspirants keen on pursuing options in the public sector can look to work with various state tourism boards or the central tourism department at various levels. Karan Anand, head, relationships and supplier management, Cox and Kings India Ltd, elaborates, “In the public sector, aspirants can work as tourism officers, information assistants, tourist guides and ground staff.
The private sector, which continues to expand with the rising participation of foreign companies in the country, offers various employment options. Qualified professionals are engaged in travel agencies, travel companies/ tour operating companies, airlines, hotels and cargo companies.