Rome, September 30: The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has released a major new report warning that the global travel and tourism industry could face a serious worker shortage in the coming decade. The report, Future of the Travel & Tourism Workforce, reveals that while the sector is on track to support one in three new jobs worldwide by 2035, it could still be short of more than 43 million workers if no action is taken.
The report was launched at the WTTC’s 25th Global Summit in Rome, with support from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, Coraggio Group, Miles Partnership, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It is based on detailed research, including a large survey of business leaders and interviews with key tourism stakeholders.
A Growing Industry with Big Challenges
According to the WTTC, travel and tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. In 2024, the industry supported a record 357 million jobs, and that number is expected to rise to 371 million this year. Over the next decade, the sector is forecast to add 91 million new jobs, making it one of the largest sources of global employment.
However, the report warns that this growth could be held back by demographic and structural shifts. By 2035, the demand for workers will outpace supply by 16%, leaving the industry short by more than 43 million people.
The hospitality industry is expected to face one of the largest gaps, with 8.6 million positions—around 18% of its workforce—left unfilled. The biggest shortages are expected in roles that require human interaction and cannot easily be replaced by technology, such as hotel staff, tour guides, and service workers.
Where the Shortages Will Hit Hardest
The report found that all 20 major economies studied will feel the effects of the labour gap. The largest shortfalls are predicted in China (16.9 million), India (11 million), and the European Union (6.4 million).
In relative terms, Japan will be the most affected, with its workforce expected to fall 29% below demand by 2035. Greece and Germany will also face significant challenges, with projected gaps of 27% and 26%, respectively.
Leaders Call for Action
WTTC Interim CEO Gloria Guevara said that while the sector continues to be a global leader in job creation, new challenges are reshaping the workforce.
“Travel & Tourism is set to remain one of the world’s biggest job creators,” she said. “But we must recognise that demographic changes and shrinking working-age populations are putting pressure on labour supply. This report is a call to action for governments, educators, and industry leaders to work together to close the gap and ensure a strong future for our sector.”
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, highlighted the opportunities within the industry. “By 2035, one in three new jobs will come from Travel & Tourism – no other sector can claim that,” he said. “Saudi Arabia is showing what can be achieved through vision and investment, with over 649,000 training opportunities and a workforce that is nearly 50% women.”
Sara Meaney, Managing Partner at Coraggio Group, added that the report should inspire change in how the industry approaches talent. “It’s not just about numbers,” she said. “We need to design jobs that inspire and workplaces that reflect the values of today’s workforce.”
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
- Inspire more young people by highlighting the diversity and excitement of career opportunities in Travel & Tourism
- Strengthen collaboration and alignment between educators and industry in order for training to meet employers’ needs and give students real-world experiences
- Boost retention with leadership development programmes, clear internal promotion pathways, and inclusive workplace cultures
- Invest in digital literacy, AI adoption, and sustainable practices to prepare workers for the future and to boost productivity
- Incorporate flexible policies to manage fluctuating workforce demand, including reducing barriers to recruiting from abroad and combining part-time roles into full-time jobs
Collaboration is Key
The WTTC emphasizes that solving the workforce shortage will require strong cooperation between governments, educators, and the private sector. With the right policies and investments, the travel and tourism industry can continue to drive prosperity and opportunity for communities worldwide.
The Global Summit in Rome is being hosted with the support of the Italian Ministry of Tourism, ENIT (the national tourism board), the Municipality of Rome, and the Lazio Region.
Other partners include Antonio Lefebvre d’Ovidio Di Bolsonaro Philanthropy, Arsenale Spa, Chase Travel, Giacomo Milano, MMGY, MSC Group, Terme di Saturnia, and Trip.com Group.
As the WTTC report makes clear, travel and tourism remain vital to the global economy — but keeping the world moving will depend on attracting, training, and supporting millions of workers for the future.
