Global Travel & Tourism Set to Create 91 Million Jobs by 2035 with Staffing Gaps

Travel and Tourism: A Booming Source of Jobs with Emerging Workforce Challenges

The travel and tourism industry is on track for remarkable growth, supporting millions of jobs worldwide today and promising even more in the decades to come. Current data reveals that in 2024, the sector supported a record-breaking 357 million jobs globally, with expectations to rise to 371 million in 2025. Over the next 15 years, the industry is projected to generate an astonishing 91 million additional jobs worldwide. However, this optimistic outlook is shadowed by a significant warning: a projected workforce shortfall of 43 million by 2035, reflecting a serious gap between labor demand and supply.

Key Findings from Recent Global Analysis

A comprehensive report from a leading global travel and tourism council highlights that while the sector is set to be a powerhouse for employment, critical demographic and structural labor market shifts threaten to leave staffing levels 16 percent below what will be required by 2035. Hospitality roles are the most vulnerable, with a predicted shortage of 8.6 million workers—nearly 18 percent of the needed workforce in that segment.

Particularly concerning is the demand for low-skilled roles, crucial to the sector and challenging to automate, which will require over 20 million new workers worldwide. Among the countries surveyed, the largest absolute workforce gaps are forecasted in China (16.9 million), India (11 million), and the European Union (6.4 million). Meanwhile, the sharpest relative shortages are expected in Japan (29% shortfall), Greece (27%), and Germany (26%).

Table: Projected Workforce Shortages by 2035

Understanding the Workforce Gap

Industry leaders point to demographic shifts—including aging populations and evolving labor market dynamics—as key challenges. The shortage isn’t solely a numbers game; it also reflects deeper structural issues such as difficulties in recruiting and retaining workers, especially in lower-skilled jobs critical to travel and tourism. These roles are often frontline positions that anchor visitor experiences but are less attractive to the modern workforce.

Experts emphasize a need for strategic workforce planning that includes collaboration between governments, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders. The goal is not just to fill vacancies but to design roles and workplaces that inspire, support evolving careers, and reflect contemporary values.

Workforce Strategies for the Next Decade and Beyond

• Inspire youth engagement: Highlight the variety of career paths within travel and tourism to attract new generations.
• Align education with industry needs: Adapt training programs to reflect the skills and digital literacy required by the sector’s modern demands.
• Invest in technology skills: Embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence to boost productivity and service quality.
• Promote sustainable practices: Train workforces on sustainability to meet visitor expectations and global environmental commitments.
• Reduce recruitment barriers: Advocate policies that make it easier to hire and retain skilled and motivated workers.

A Brief Historical Perspective on Travel and Tourism Employment

Travel and tourism have long been recognized as substantial contributors to global employment. Since the post-World War II era, the sector evolved from a niche luxury activity to a mass phenomenon, generating millions of jobs. The growth of international travel, the rise of airline connectivity, and innovations in hospitality services collectively fueled this transformation.

Over the decades, tourism employment has diversified, encompassing roles from hotel staff and travel agents to airline crews and event coordinators. More recently, the rise of digital platforms and sustainable tourism has shifted the skill sets demanded by the sector, elevating the importance of tech-savvy and environmentally conscious workers.

Despite this evolution, the industry has grappled with high turnover, often due to the physically demanding nature of many roles and work-life balance challenges. The increasing feminization of the workforce, coupled with a move towards more flexible labor markets, has transformed but not eliminated these fundamental issues.

Looking Ahead: The Role of Travel and Tourism in Global Employment

As the world’s population grows and travel becomes more accessible, the industry’s potential to generate new jobs is significant. Demographic trends such as aging populations in many nations create both challenges and opportunities, particularly in growing sectors like health tourism and experiential travel.

However, the anticipated labor shortfall must prompt immediate action for sustained growth. If unresolved, the gap could hamper the quality and availability of tourism services, affecting destinations globally. Conversely, proactive workforce innovation may unlock untapped potential, positioning travel and tourism as a leading driver of economic prosperity.

Forecasted Impacts on Tourism and Related Sectors

The forecasted job creation and workforce challenges impact not only hotels and airlines but also the broader supply chain — from marinas and charter boat operators to local tour guides and cultural venues. In marine and sailing hubs, where yachting and boat rentals are central to the visitor experience, skilled workforce shortages could affect service standards and innovation.

Modern tourism increasingly demands a versatile workforce capable of handling advanced booking systems, navigating digital marketing tools, and delivering exceptional personal service. In coastal and maritime destinations, this includes captains, crew members, and support staff who ensure safe and memorable yachting experiences.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Workforce Challenges to Sail Toward Growth

In summary, the travel and tourism sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. Forecasts show it will remain a major global employer, with 91 million new jobs expected by 2035. Yet the looming workforce shortfall of 43 million workers must not be underestimated. Addressing this gap through education, policy, and innovative recruitment will be essential to sustain the sector’s momentum.

For destinations rich in maritime activities—where sailing, yacht charter, and boat rentals thrive—this calls for targeted strategies to develop and retain talents who can enhance the boating, fishing, and water adventure industries. Investment in workforce readiness is a strategic imperative to safeguard growth and ensure that tourism remains a vibrant economic pillar.

GetBoat, an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, offers a platform connecting boat enthusiasts with a wide spectrum of vessels worldwide. As the industry transforms, services like GetBoat become indispensable for those seeking to embrace sailing adventures, whether in sunny gulfs, bustling marinas, or the serene open ocean. Visit GetBoat.com to explore options that blend workforce potential with unforgettable seafaring experiences.