Allow me to introduce Katarina Railko, a seasoned expert in hospitality and a prominent figure in the travel and tourism industry. With years of experience under her belt, Katarina has not only honed her skills in navigating the complexities of this dynamic sector but also emerged as a leading voice in entertainment and events, particularly through her involvement in expos and conferences. Today, we dive into the World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest workforce report, exploring the staggering job growth projections, the looming labor shortages, and the unique challenges facing hospitality. Join us as we unpack the opportunities and risks shaping the future of this vital industry.
Can you walk us through the key highlights of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s recent workforce report presented at the Global Summit in Rome?
I’m thrilled to share insights on this pivotal report titled Future of the Travel & Tourism Workforce. It was unveiled at the 25th Global Summit in Rome and paints a picture of both immense opportunity and significant challenges. The standout finding is the projection that our sector will create 91 million new jobs by 2035. That’s a testament to the industry’s role as a global economic driver. However, it also warns of a shortfall of over 43 million workers if we don’t act fast. The report was a collaborative effort with partners like the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, drawing on surveys and interviews with business leaders to provide a comprehensive view of the landscape.
What types of jobs do you think will see the most demand in travel and tourism over the next decade?
The report points to a huge need for roles that involve direct human interaction, especially in hospitality. We’re talking about positions like hotel staff, tour guides, and customer service reps—jobs that form the backbone of the visitor experience. Low-skilled roles, in particular, are expected to account for over 20 million of the new positions needed globally. These aren’t just numbers; they reflect the industry’s reliance on personal touchpoints that can’t be easily replaced by machines.
Why does the report suggest that one in every three new jobs worldwide will come from this sector by 2035?
It’s really about the sheer scale and growth trajectory of travel and tourism. In 2024, the sector already supported a record 357 million jobs, and that’s set to climb to 371 million this year alone. As global economies recover and travel demand surges, especially in emerging markets, the industry is becoming a primary engine for job creation. The report highlights that demographic shifts and shrinking working-age populations in many regions are pushing other sectors to stagnate, while travel and tourism continues to expand rapidly, filling that gap with new opportunities.
The projected labor shortfall of over 43 million workers by 2035 sounds daunting. What does this mean for the industry’s future?
It’s a massive hurdle, no doubt. A shortfall of this magnitude—about 16 percent below what’s needed—could stifle growth and strain operations. Businesses might struggle to meet customer expectations, leading to longer wait times, reduced service quality, or even having to scale back offerings. For an industry built on experience, that’s a serious risk. It could also drive up labor costs as companies compete for a smaller pool of talent, impacting profitability.
What’s behind this imbalance where demand for workers far outstrips supply?
Several factors are at play here. First, demographic changes are shrinking working-age populations in many key markets. Then, there’s the lingering effect of the pandemic—many workers left the sector during the downturn and haven’t returned, either moving to other industries or reevaluating their career paths. On top of that, travel and tourism is growing faster than the labor market can keep up, especially in regions with high tourism demand but limited local workforce growth. It’s a perfect storm of structural and historical challenges.
Focusing on hospitality, why is this segment facing a particularly large gap of 8.6 million workers?
Hospitality is the heart of travel and tourism, and it’s incredibly labor-intensive. The projected 18 percent shortfall reflects how much this segment relies on people—from front-desk staff to housekeeping—to operate. Unlike other areas like aviation or travel tech, hospitality hasn’t seen as much automation, nor can it easily pivot away from human labor. Plus, the sector often struggles with retention due to demanding hours and seasonal fluctuations, which discourages long-term commitment from workers.
Are there specific roles within hospitality that you expect will be toughest to fill?
Absolutely, roles that require constant face-to-face interaction or physical presence are going to be the hardest hit. Think housekeepers, waitstaff, and concierge positions. These jobs often don’t require advanced skills, but they demand reliability and a personal touch—qualities that are hard to source when labor pools are tight. The report underscores that these low-skilled but essential roles are where the gap will be most felt.
Geographically, regions like China and India are projected to face enormous worker shortages. What’s driving the 16.9 million gap in China?
China’s gap is staggering due to a mix of rapid tourism growth and demographic challenges. The country’s working-age population is shrinking due to aging demographics and past population policies, while its travel sector is booming as both domestic and international tourism surges. This creates a massive mismatch—there’s just not enough local labor to meet the exploding demand for tourism services, from hotels to attractions, in a market that’s becoming a global powerhouse.
What strategies do you think the industry can adopt to tackle these looming labor challenges?
The report offers some compelling ideas that I believe are critical. First, we need to inspire younger generations to see travel and tourism as a viable, rewarding career path through better outreach and education alignment with industry needs. Retention is also key—creating inclusive workplaces and offering leadership development can keep talent from jumping ship. On the tech side, investing in digital literacy and AI can help ease the burden on human labor for repetitive tasks. Lastly, policy changes like easing international recruitment barriers could bring in much-needed workers from abroad.
Looking ahead, what is your forecast for the travel and tourism workforce over the next decade?
I’m cautiously optimistic. The potential for 91 million new jobs is a phenomenal opportunity to transform lives and economies, especially in developing regions. However, the 43 million worker shortfall looms large, and without coordinated action—between governments, businesses, and educational institutions—we risk stunting the sector’s growth. I believe the next decade will be defined by how well we adapt, innovate, and prioritize workforce development. If we can bridge even half of that gap through smart strategies, we’ll be in a strong position to sustain this industry’s incredible momentum.
