Tourism and Hospitality Industry in India: Opportunities for Skills, Training, Jobs and Entrepreneurship

The tourism and hospitality industry in India is experiencing a significant resurgence, propelled by increasing domestic and international travel. This growth presents vast opportunities for job creation, skill development, and entrepreneurship, making it an exciting time to explore careers in this sector.

The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Sector Council (THSC) has released a report on the demand and skill gap, estimating that 5.7 million youth could be trained to meet an expected incremental labor demand of 3 million workers between 2025-2028. However, challenges such as low wages and long working hours deter youth from continuing in the industry.

With an estimated 100,000 new jobs expected to be created in the next 12-18 months, the tourism and hospitality industry in India is booming. This growth is driven by a strong pickup in business and leisure travel, with both domestic and foreign tourist arrivals projected to increase significantly. This surge in demand presents a wealth of opportunities for those looking to develop their skills and build careers in this exciting sector.

Government initiatives in tourism and hospitality industry

The government of India recognizes the importance of tourism and hospitality for economic development and job creation. Several initiatives are underway to support the industry’s growth, including skill development programs aimed at training individuals for specific roles in tourism and hospitality.

These programs bridge the gap between industry needs and the available workforce. Additionally, the government encourages entrepreneurship in the sector through schemes that provide financial assistance and incubation support for startups involved in tourism and hospitality services. Key initiatives include:

• Swadesh Darshan Scheme: Focused on developing theme-based tourist circuits across the country.
• PRASHAD Scheme: Aimed at developing pilgrimage and heritage destinations.
• Skill India Mission: Enhancing skill development in various sectors, including hospitality courses, through programs like Hunar Se Rozgar Tak and the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC).

These initiatives are designed to improve infrastructure, enhance tourist experiences, and build a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the industry.

The homestay business is also gaining traction as a popular alternative to traditional hotel accommodations, offering travelers a more authentic and personalized experience. This presents unique opportunities for entrepreneurship and local employment, especially in rural and culturally rich areas. Homestays can help diversify income sources for local communities and promote sustainable tourism. Entrepreneurs in the homestay business can benefit from government incentives and training programs designed to enhance the quality of service and infrastructure.

In-demand Job Roles in the tourism and hospitality industry

The job market in the tourism and hospitality industry is expanding rapidly, with a variety of roles across different levels. The industry offers a mix of permanent, temporary, and gig jobs, catering to the diverse needs of businesses and employees. The top 5 sub-sectors to be in demand in the next five years within various job roles include: Some of the top roles in demand include:

• Hotels
• Food services
• Facility management
• Tourism – tour and travel
• Cruise liners

Specialized roles like maintenance technician, chefs, and banquet managers, multi-purpose associate, ground crew chief and more have seen a demand increase of up to 35% in the last quarter. Additionally, there is a rising need for professionals in sales, marketing, digital marketing, technical staff, and HR.

Exploring Career Opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry

The burgeoning demand for skilled professionals in the tourism and hospitality industry presents numerous career opportunities. For those looking to enter or advance in this field, pursuing relevant education and training is crucial. Here are some career paths and the skills required:

• Front Desk and Guest Relations: Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.
• Housekeeping and Maintenance: Attention to detail, technical skills, and the ability to work efficiently.
• Culinary Arts: Creativity, culinary skills, and knowledge of food safety and hygiene.
• Management Positions: Leadership, strategic thinking, and business acumen.

With the right skills and training, individuals can build successful careers in this dynamic and rewarding industry.

Institutions offering courses in tourism and hospitality

Several institutions in India offer specialized courses and training programs to equip individuals with the necessary skills for the tourism and hospitality industry. Some notable institutions include:

• Institute of Hotel Management (IHM): Offers various undergraduate and postgraduate programs including short-term and certificate courses in hotel operation and management and catering technology and more. Visit the website to know more: https://www.ihmhyd.org/
• Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD): Offers hotel management training programs for hospitality professionals.
• Haridwar University: Offers BBA, BA, Diploma courses in travel and tourism management
• GD Goenka University: Offers undergraduate programs in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts, along with shorter diploma courses in both specializations. To know more, visit the website: https://www.gdgoenkauniversity.com/
• Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM): Provides courses in tourism management, travel management, and international tourism business.

Click on the link to know more about skill courses and education offered from IITTM Nellore: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/tourism-and-travel-education-and-skill-courses-from-iittm/

These institutions offer a range of programs designed to prepare students for the diverse career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector.

The tourism and hospitality industry in India is on a growth trajectory, creating numerous opportunities for skill development and entrepreneurship. With government support and a booming job market, this sector offers promising careers for those equipped with the right skills and training. As the industry continues to expand, addressing challenges like high attrition rates and talent retention will be crucial to sustaining its growth and success.