TeamLease Services has released its Employment Outlook Report for HY2 (October-March) FY2024-25, showcasing promising hiring trends in the travel and hospitality sector. The report highlights that 66% of surveyed companies plan to expand their workforce, with a Net Employment Change (NEC) of 8.2% projected for this period. This robust growth reflects the sector’s recovery and transformation, driven by smart tourism technologies, a resurgence of MICE activities, and a commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
India’s travel and tourism industry, contributing 9% to the GDP in 2024—equivalent to over USD 11 trillion—has seen a 12% year-on-year growth. Domestic travel is booming, fueled by religious tourism and the rise of Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as travel hubs. Government initiatives like the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD Schemes, along with investments in airport infrastructure and regional connectivity, are further accelerating the sector’s expansion. Internationally, Indian travellers are making their mark, driving demand for personalized and eco-friendly travel services, prompting companies to focus on recruiting talent skilled in sustainability and digital innovation.
Hiring demand is notably strong in tier-1 cities like Mumbai (58%), Hyderabad (54%), and Ahmedabad (49%), with emerging employment hubs in tier-2 and tier-3 cities such as Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam, and Jaipur. New locations like Pune (18%), Visakhapatnam (15%), and Kochi (13%) are also gaining prominence. Sales roles dominate hiring intentions at 76%, followed by marketing (46%), office services (35%), and ICT positions (18%). Engineering and blue-collar jobs are also in demand, reflecting the sector’s operational and technological advancements.
Balasubramanian A, Senior VP and Business Head, TeamLease Services, emphasized, “The positive hiring intent by 66% of companies in the travel and hospitality sector highlights the industry’s evolution. Businesses are preparing to cater to eco-conscious, experience-driven travellers, with tier-2 and tier-3 cities emerging as key employment hubs alongside metros.” As the sector grows, its focus on sustainability and innovation ensures alignment with global trends, positioning it as a vital contributor to India’s economy and a dynamic generator of employment opportunities.