WTTC report 2025 projects 91 million new travel and tourism jobs by 2035 but warns of a 43 million worker shortfall threatening global growth.
New Delhi, October 7, 2025 | The Interview Times — The global travel and tourism sector is on track to become one of the world’s most powerful job engines, projected to create 91 million new jobs by 2035 — accounting for one in every three new jobs worldwide.
However, a new World Travel & Tourism Council Report (WTTC Report 2025) warns of a looming workforce shortfall of over 43 million workers, threatening to derail the industry’s momentum if not addressed urgently.
Released on September 30, 2025, during the WTTC’s 25th Global Summit in Rome, the report titled “The Future of Work in Travel & Tourism: The Key Trends Shaping Workforce Strategies” was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, Coraggio Group, Miles Partnership, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
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WTTC Report 2025: Travel and Tourism’s Expanding Economic Footprint
According to the WTTC, the sector supported a record 357 million jobs in 2024, a figure expected to rise to 371 million in 2025. This surge highlights travel and tourism’s central role in global economic recovery and job creation after the pandemic downturn.
The WTTC Report 2025 predicts that by 2035, the sector will employ nearly 462 million people globally, driven by growing demand for travel experiences, digital transformation, and the sector’s diversity — encompassing roles from hospitality and aviation to marketing, technology, and sustainability.
Major economies like China, India, the United States, and the European Union stand to gain the most, as the sector contributes to GDP growth, innovation, and employment across skill levels.
WTTC Report 2025: 43 Million Workers Short by 2035
Despite the positive outlook, the WTTC Report 2025 raises red flags over significant labor shortages. By 2035, workforce demand in the sector is projected to exceed supply by 43 million workers — roughly 16% below required levels.
- Hospitality faces the toughest challenge, with an 8.6 million worker gap (18%).
- Low-skilled, human-centric jobs—such as customer service and housekeeping—will require an additional 20 million workers to sustain growth.
- China may see a 16.9 million shortfall, India around 11 million, and the European Union nearly 6.4 million.
- In relative terms, Japan (29%), Greece (27%), and Germany (26%) are set to experience the most acute deficits.
These challenges are amplified by aging populations, declining birth rates, and pandemic-induced labor exits, which continue to strain the talent pipeline.
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WTTC Report 2025: Evolving Workforce Trends
The WTTC Report 2025 highlights four major trends shaping the future of work in the travel and tourism industry:
- Shrinking Labor Supply due to demographic shifts.
- Flexible Work Patterns, including remote and hybrid arrangements.
- Rapid Technological Integration, with AI transforming both operations and service delivery.
- Sustainability as a Core Skill, demanding environmentally conscious workforce training.
Without strategic intervention, these trends could severely limit the sector’s ability to achieve its full potential.
WTTC’s Blueprint for a Future-Ready Workforce
To close the workforce gap and sustain growth, the report calls for coordinated global action among governments, businesses, and educational institutions. Key recommendations include:
- Attracting Young Talent by showcasing diverse and exciting career paths in tourism.
- Aligning Education with Industry Needs through stronger academia-industry partnerships.
- Enhancing Retention via leadership programs, clear career progression, and inclusive workplace cultures.
- Upskilling for the Future with focus on digital literacy, AI, and green tourism practices.
- Enabling Global Mobility by easing visa and recruitment barriers, and adapting to seasonal labor fluctuations.
Governments are urged to fund training initiatives and incentivize sustainable employment practices, while businesses must invest in continuous learning and reskilling to future-proof their workforce.
Industry Voices Call for Urgent Action
WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara underscored the urgency of action, stating:
“Travel & Tourism is set to remain one of the world’s biggest job creators. But we must recognize that demographic and structural changes are reshaping labor markets everywhere. This report is a call to action.”
Ahmed Al Khateeb, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, highlighted the country’s progress:
“By 2035, one in three new jobs will come from Travel & Tourism. Saudi Arabia’s investment in training and inclusion—nearly 50% of our workforce being women—shows what vision can achieve.”
Sara Meaney, Managing Partner at Coraggio Group, added:
“This report is more than data—it’s an invitation to rethink how we attract, grow, and retain talent in a constantly evolving world.”
WTTC Report 2025: Global Impact and the Road Ahead
The findings reinforce travel and tourism’s position as a key pillar of global economic growth, capable of fostering innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Yet, the opportunity will be lost without bold workforce reforms.
As the world transitions to a more digital and environmentally conscious economy, investing in human capital will determine whether the sector’s growth is sustainable and equitable.
For those seeking deeper insights, the full 49-page WTTC Report 2025 and executive summary are available on the WTTC Research Hub, serving as a roadmap for industry stakeholders navigating the next decade of transformation.