India’s Tourism Growth Will Set the Stage for an Epic Job Surge, Turning Destinations into Job Powerhouses Across the Country by 2036

Published on December 17, 2025

India’s tourism and hospitality sector is on the brink of a major boom. With the number of jobs in the industry expected to rise by 61 lakh (6.1 million) by 2036, the future is bright for job seekers, travel professionals, and entrepreneurs. From Goa’s sandy shores to the cultural riches of Varanasi, India’s travel landscape is expanding, and it’s time for workers to capitalize on this unprecedented growth in the travel and hospitality sector.

Tourism Industry Growth: A Promising Future

According to a report released by CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) and EY (Ernst & Young), the tourism and hospitality industry is forecasted to provide 61.31 lakh new jobs by 2036. This surge in employment opportunities will be driven by increased demand from domestic and international travellers who flock to iconic destinations like Agra, Jaipur, Goa, and Kerala. But it’s not just about well‑known spots—India’s lesser‑known gems, including Sikkim and Rajasthan’s rural circuits, are seeing an upsurge in interest, creating new avenues for tourism professionals.

Key Drivers Behind This Job Growth

What’s pushing this job growth? Several factors are driving this surge:

• Surge in Domestic Tourism: Following the pandemic, domestic tourism has rebounded strongly, with travellers exploring new destinations and revisiting popular spots.
• Rising International Tourism: India’s international appeal continues to grow, with foreign visitors exploring spiritual tourism in Varanasi or adventure tourism in the Himalayas.
• Government Investments: The Indian government has been investing heavily in improving tourism infrastructure, from airport expansions to improved transport links, which supports an expanding job market.

These factors combined ensure that India’s tourism industry will be one of the largest job creators over the next decade.

Women and Men: Equal Opportunities in Tourism Jobs

The report highlights that this growth is not just about numbers—it’s about gender inclusion. Approximately 46 lakh jobs are expected to go to men, and 15 lakh to women, underlining a growing trend toward more inclusive employment. The tourism sector in India has long been a great avenue for women seeking employment, especially in customer-facing roles in hotels, airlines, and tour agencies.

By 2036, the hope is that more women will take on leadership roles in the industry, moving beyond entry-level jobs and leading businesses, training institutes, and global tourism ventures.

Skills for the Future: What You Need to Know

As tourism grows, so does the demand for specialized skills. To keep up with the rapidly changing landscape of the industry, workers will need to focus on acquiring:

• Digital Marketing Skills: Tourism has gone digital. Social media, website optimization, and online advertising are now crucial.
• Sustainability Practices: As eco-tourism and sustainability become top priorities, the demand for professionals in this area will skyrocket.
• Customer Experience Expertise: From personalizing travel experiences to offering five-star services, customer satisfaction is a top priority.

The report emphasizes that continuous education and training programs will be essential to meet the growing demand for skilled workers across all sectors of tourism.

Emerging Trends in India’s Tourism Job Market

India’s tourism job market is evolving in some exciting ways:

• Medical Tourism: Cities like Delhi and Chennai are increasingly attracting international visitors seeking top-notch medical care, fueling job growth in healthcare-related tourism.
• Adventure Tourism: With India’s mountainous regions and adventure-packed states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, more adventure tour operators and guides are needed to handle the growing number of thrill-seekers.
• Cultural Tourism: As interest in India’s history and traditions grows, experts in cultural heritage management and local history will be in high demand, particularly in cities like Jaipur, Kolkata, and Lucknow.

As India’s tourism industry diversifies, these specialized roles will provide new avenues for professionals to make their mark.

Tourism Jobs Across India’s Key Destinations

Let’s take a look at the key destinations where these jobs are expected to be most abundant:

• Goa: Known for its beaches, Goa is a hotbed for jobs in hospitality and leisure services, including hotel management, tourism agencies, and transportation services.
• Kerala: With its growing backwater tourism and Ayurvedic wellness industry, Kerala is seeing a steady demand for spa therapists, wellness instructors, and tour guides.
• Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh: These states are rising in popularity among adventure tourists, driving the need for mountain guides, resort staff, and tour operators.

This growing demand will lead to opportunities not just for traditional tourism roles but also in niche industries that are gaining traction across India.

Government’s Role in Boosting Employment

The Indian government has played a significant role in the growth of this sector. Recent initiatives such as:

• The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) to train youth in tourism-related skills.
• The Swadesh Darshan Scheme to enhance infrastructure at tourist destinations.

These efforts have created the foundation for India to become one of the largest tourism job markets in the world.

What the Future Holds for India’s Tourism Sector

The future of tourism in India is incredibly bright. By 2036, with 61 lakh new jobs, this sector is poised to become one of the largest contributors to India’s GDP. From heritage tourism in Rajasthan to the beach tourism boom in Goa and the growing trend of spiritual tourism in cities like Varanasi, India is positioned to become a global leader in travel and tourism.

Additionally, the rise of eco‑tourism and sustainable practices will shape the next generation of tourism workers, pushing for a cleaner, greener, and more responsible industry. The integration of smart technology and AI into hospitality will also open new avenues in the sector, demanding tech-savvy professionals to help transform the way we travel.