A new study conducted by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) indicates that the international travel and tourism industry will generate ninety million new jobs in the next ten years. These new placements will translate to one out of three new jobs created around the world, which illustrates the important role travel and tourism play in the global economy by 2035.

The report, titled ‘Future of the Travel and Tourism Workforce‘, highlights the sector’s recovery and growth post-pandemic. Despite challenges, global demand for travel continues to rise, and with it, the need for more workers. However, the report also cautions that demographic and structural shifts could create a workforce shortfall of over 43 million people, leaving a gap in the availability of skilled workers.

Global Tourism Demand Drives Job Creation, with Middle East at the Forefront

The WTTC’s Global Summit held recently in Rome revealed that the travel sector’s GDP contribution grew by 8.5% in 2024, reaching an impressive USD 10.9 trillion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 6%. This marks a significant milestone for the travel industry, as revenues and job creation continue to grow across the world. The growing demand for tourism is expected to drive job creation not only in airports but also across local communities, offering new opportunities in hospitality and services.

Saudi Arabia remains a standout performer in this regard, with the country’s tourism sector witnessing a surge in inbound visitor spend and record levels of infrastructure investment. As one of the fastest-growing regions in global tourism, the Middle East, led by Saudi Arabia, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.

The WTTC report also revealed that, while the European Union, China, and India will experience workforce shortfalls, the Middle East is thriving. Saudi Arabia, in particular, continues to attract international investments in tourism, with the country’s Vision 2030 guiding the development of world-class tourist infrastructure.

Job Shortage Looms as Global Travel Booms

While the global travel market is booming, tourism leaders warn of an impending labour shortage. Workforce availability in the travel and tourism sector is projected to be 16% below required levels by 2035, with the largest workforce gaps expected in China (1.69 crore), India (1.1 crore), and the European Union (64 lakh). These shortages may hinder the industry’s growth, requiring governments and businesses to focus on training and upskilling the workforce.

The WTTC stressed the need for collaborative efforts to tackle these labour challenges and ensure the sector’s sustainable growth. This includes fostering inclusive growth and building resilient travel systems to meet the demands of an increasingly globalised tourism market. As a result, the tourism sector is becoming a key contributor to job creation in both developed and emerging markets, fostering economic growth across the globe.

Middle East and Saudi Arabia Lead Tourism Recovery and Growth

In the face of global challenges, the Middle East continues to stand out as a beacon of success in tourism growth. Saudi Arabia’s aggressive investments in tourism infrastructure and commitment to Vision 2030 have made it one of the region’s top destinations, drawing increasing numbers of tourists each year.

According to the report, Saudi Arabia‘s ambitions are at the forefront of a project to transform the Middle East into a major international tourism destination as the region adds hotels, resorts, and entertainment spaces throughout the kingdom. Additionally, increased spend per visitor drops significant hints that the Middle East is well-positioned to absorb more international visitors.

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