The Indian hospitality and tourism sector are gearing up for a surge in hiring, propelled by substantial growth this year, which is primarily going to be driven by increased domestic travel. Industry players anticipate a significant surge in demand for workers, influenced by optimistic projections and transformative changes.
Projections Point to Trillion-Dollar Contribution to India’s GDP
A report by the Hotel Association of India (HAI) foresees the hotel industry’s direct contribution to India’s GDP reaching USD 1 trillion by 2047. This projection sets the stage for a minimum 25% increase in workforce needs, encompassing not only the hotel industry but also related sectors like travel, aviation, ticket booking, travel guides, and consultants.
Industry Insiders Optimistic About Job Creation
HAI Vice President K B Kachru, also Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor at South Asia Radisson Hotel Group, has hailed the anticipated milestone. He emphasized on substantial job creation potential within the sector, providing employment opportunities for millions across diverse skill sets. The post-pandemic landscape, according to Kachru, has witnessed a paradigm shift in operations, emphasizing adaptability, digital innovation, and heightened focus on guest safety.
Changing Landscape: Technological Integration and Flexibility
Chalet Hotels Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) Urvi Aradhya concurs, noting that the post-pandemic employment landscape in hospitality reflects a blend of technological integration, increased emphasis on health and safety, a focus on local tourism, and a shift towards flexible work arrangements.
Expected Hiring Trends and Industry Resilience
Recruitment agency Gi Group Vice President Sudeep Sen provided insights into the expected hiring trend, projecting a minimum 25% increase in the need for the workforce. He highlighted the growing demand in adjacent industries, such as travel, aviation, ticket booking, and travel guides/consultants. Sen also identifies specific roles like digital content creators, social media managers, sustainability consultants, vegan food & beverage specialists, and spa & healthcare specialists as areas of increasing demand.
Domestic Travel Surge: A Catalyst for Employment
Chander K Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director of Royal Orchid Hotels, underscores the significant surge in domestic travel across India. This surge has led to an expansion in accommodation availability across various categories, including 3-, 4-, and 5-star establishments. Baljee notes a corresponding addition to the workforce, with proactive recruitment initiatives to meet the growing demand in the industry.
(With PTI Inputs)