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WTTC forecasts return of 100 million tourism jobs
Global body the World Travel & Tourism Council says more than 100 million tourism industry jobs could return this year in a post-pandemic recovery.
The WTTC is bullish about a tourism rebound this year and expects a strong summer of travel.
With a positive outlook due to strong foward bookings, the sector could show signs of recovery from late March onwards, the WTTC says.
The optimism is based on the WTTC’s latest economic forecast.
It says up to 111 million jobs could be revived, although this is still 17% below 2019 employment levels.
"There is definitely hope on the horizon for the global travel and tourism sector in the year ahead, with the possible recovery of up to 111 million jobs. This projected outcome will come as huge relief and be welcomed as the beginning of the long-awaited recovery," said Gloria Guevara, WTTC President and CEO.
"Now we believe the sector’s return will become a reality, thanks in part to WTTC’s commitment and determination to save and support the sector, through some of the darkest days of pandemic."
The WTTC says wide-scale vaccinations are critical to restore travel but it cannot rely on this alone.
It is advocating for continued testing on departure and mandatory mask wearing alongside vaccinations.
In a best case scenario, tourism’s contribution to global GDP will fall about 17% compared to 2019 levels, to US$7.4 trillion.
With a slower recovery a more pessimistic projection is a drop of 27%, the WTTC said.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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