CII EY Report on Employment Landscape in Tourism n Hospitality in India
Reimagining Workforce Horizons: Tourism & Hospitality Sector Poised for 61 Lakh New Jobs by 2036-37 - CII EY Report
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and EY unveiled a whitepaper titled "Employment Landscape in Tourism and Hospitality in India" at the 18th Annual CII Tourism Summit. The report provides a forward-looking analysis of employment trends in one of India’s most dynamic sectors and highlights its critical role in driving economic growth and job creation.
Tourism and hospitality currently contribute to about 8% of India’s total employment. Despite setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector is witnessing a strong resurgence, fueled by domestic tourism. By 2036-37 spending in this sector is projected to rise by 1.2 times, driving the need for an additional 61 lakh workers—comprising 46 lakh males and 15 lakh females. This highlights the sector's pivotal role in gender inclusion and workforce expansion.
To meet this rising demand, the CII-EY report emphasizes the need for specialized skills in digital marketing, sustainable tourism, and customer service. Key recommendations of CII EY Report include:
Developing gamified Learning Management Systems (LMS) for continuous professional development.
Collaborating with industry associations to create clear career advancement pathways.
Establishing a dedicated taskforce under the Ministry of Tourism to standardize skills and education.
The whitepaper also underscores the importance of incentivizing workforce participation, particularly among women, while harnessing opportunities like medical tourism. It advocates for the creation of a central tourism and hospitality body to streamline governance, address fragmented infrastructure, and enhance operational efficiency.
Aligned with global trends, the report stresses the integration of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to position India as a creative tourism hub. Recommendations include industry status recognition, targeted subsidies, and Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) schemes to accelerate job creation.
A notable innovation in the report is the introduction of a Tourism Employment Index (TEI) to better analyze employment dynamics. It also explores leveraging the gig economy to provide flexibility and high-quality services during seasonal peaks, while community-driven programs and Gen Z workforce preferences are identified as key enablers of a more inclusive and innovative work environment.
Looking toward 2036-37, the sector is projected to require an additional 61.31 lakh workers to cater to increasing tourism activities. Targeted efforts to upskill women and marginalized communities will be vital to bridge skill gaps and maximize the sector's potential for economic development and employment generation.
The CII EY whitepaper calls for a collective approach involving the government, private sector, and academic institutions to unlock this sector’s vast opportunities. By fostering innovation, enhancing workforce capabilities, and prioritizing inclusivity, India’s tourism and hospitality industry is well-positioned to transform into a powerhouse of employment and economic growth.
18 December 2024
New Delhi