Indian hospitality, tourism job market booms; chefs and travel consultants most in demand

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)’s Economic Impact Research predicted India to become the third most influential market in the travel & tourism industry globally.

In 2023, there has been a significant rebound in the travel and tourism industry in India, with a remarkable annual growth of 25 percent, according to data by foundit, shared exclusively with Moneycontrol.

Also, the total number of jobs in the travel and tourism sector increased from 10,276 in January 2023 to 12,141 in January 2024, marking an 18 percent increase in hiring activity.

A positive percentage growth in the number of jobs suggests a growing or expanding travel and tourism sector. Among the most in-demand job roles, sales and business development hold the largest share of 26 percent, followed by chefs (17 percent), and travel consultants (13 percent).

However, the highest-paying role is that of a Head of Customer Success, within the Rs 23.68 - Rs 38.76 lakh per annum (LPA) range. The role involves ensuring a positive and satisfying experience for guests or customers. This role oversees and manages the customer success team to enhance customer satisfaction, loyalty, and overall success.

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Currently, the second highest pay is offered to the Executive Chef or Head Chef in the Rs 18.76-32.86 lakh per annum range. The role is crucial to the success of a restaurant, hotel, or any establishment that offers food and beverage services. The Head Chef is responsible for overseeing the kitchen operations, managing the kitchen staff, and ensuring the quality and consistency of the food served.

Other essential roles with higher pay include General Manager of Sales (starting from 15.75 LPA), and Operations Manager of Food & Beverages (starting from 9.11 LPA).

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC)’s Economic Impact Research predicted India to become the third most influential market in the travel & tourism industry globally.

Indeed, a hiring and matching platform, has recently unveiled data indicating a 50 percent surge in hiring for tourism and hospitality jobs between December 2022 and 2023. Indeed’s quarterly blue-collar hiring tracker also revealed that blue-collar hiring in the tourism and hospitality industry witnessed an overall 8 percent increase.

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Top cities that are leading the upsurge in hiring include Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, and Kochi. Delhi NCR accounted for 23 percent of the job postings, reaffirming its status as the historical and cultural hub of India, characterised by architectural marvels and culinary delights.

Following closely, Mumbai and Bengaluru contributed 5.19 percent and 6.78 percent, respectively, in terms of job postings.