The Indian travel and hospitality sector is gearing up for substantial growth, with 64% of employers planning to increase their workforce to meet rising demand. This information comes from a recent report released on Thursday, highlighting the sector's remarkable rebound driven by factors such as increased air travel, a surge in religious tourism, and a shift towards personalized, technology-driven experiences.

The Employment Outlook Report (EOR) for the first half of FY25 indicates that while 19% of employers in this sector are downsizing, 17% report no changes to their workforce size. This revitalization signifies a broader recovery trend, with the industry expected to grow by 8-10% annually.

A surge in tech-enabled services, including ghost kitchens and AI-enhanced guest experiences, along with a rise in domestic travel, is propelling this hiring surge. The travel and hospitality sector has recorded a net employment change of 9.86%, showcasing a significant improvement compared to previous years. Strategies such as off-season travel incentives and premium experiences are further contributing to this growth.

Kartik Narayan, CEO of Staffing at TeamLease Services, said, “India’s travel and hospitality sector is at the cusp of unprecedented growth. The rising demand for premium travel experiences, coupled with innovations in technology, is creating a catalytic impact on how the industry operates.” He added that as more travelers embrace digital platforms, companies are focusing on roles that enhance customer experiences, positioning the sector as a key employment generator in the years ahead.

The report also highlights that workforce expansion is particularly strong in major cities. Delhi is leading the charge with 58% of employers actively hiring, followed closely by Mumbai at 57% and Bengaluru at 55%. Emerging hiring hotspots include Bengaluru (16%), Pune, and Chennai (12% each), all benefiting from increased travel demand and the expansion of travel infrastructure.

Sales positions are in high demand, with 82% of employers prioritizing these roles within the sector. Marketing roles are also crucial, with 44% of employers focusing on both digital and traditional marketing strategies to tap into new market opportunities. Additionally, gig work is anticipated to rise to 15-20% by the end of 2025, leading to a 25-30% increase in seasonal hiring during peak travel times.

The report emphasizes that religious tourism is poised to become a significant growth driver, as faith-based travel gains popularity across various regions. Solo travel is also on the rise, particularly for personalized tech-driven experiences, contributing to an increase in roles related to digital marketing, data analytics, and AI-based platforms.

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