Separator

Tourism and Its Impact on Local Economies, Job Creation & Development

Separator
Rikant, a B.Tech in Electronics, has been working in the travel industry for over 15 years. With a dedicated and talented team, he has been instrumental in leading EaseMyTrip.com from a bootstrapped startup to a profitable company with over 1,000 employees, 60,000 travel agents, and over 20 million users. His passion for travel and his technical and domain knowledge have played a major role in the company's success and consequently travel industry’s growth.

In an interactive CXO discussion with siliconindia magazine, Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip abreasts the readers on the highlights of travel & tourism with respect to growth and job stability. Let’s delve deeper!


The Expansive Travel &Tourism

The tourism industry is experiencing significant growth driven by a rising demand for travel. This expansion presents a range of opportunities for enhanced connectivity, infrastructure development, job creation, and innovations aimed at improving customer service. In the previous year, the travel and tourism sector provided employment to 42 million individuals. It is anticipated that this number will increase to 45 million by the conclusion of the current year, underscoring the rapid growth of the industry and its capacity to generate both direct and indirect employment.

There is also an observable surge in the demand for positions in sales, business development, marketing, tour guiding, travel agency services, and related roles. As the sector evolves and trends such as religious tourism, eco-travel, adventure tourism, cultural and rural tourism continue to shape the industry, new employment opportunities are expected to emerge, including roles such as tour consultants, tourism managers, travel planners, and reservation executives.

The industry's increasing embrace of digital technologies is fostering a demand for tech-savvy skills and expertise to ensure that companies can maintain a competitive edge with robust infrastructure. Additionally, there is a projected increase in gig economy roles, such as translators, photographers, and tour guides.

Seasonal Employment and Year-round Job Stability Challenges in Travel

If someone were to ask what the Achilles heel is for a region that relies on seasonal employment, it would no doubt be figuring out what to do during the off-season. There are a multitude of options that can be used to ensure year-round job stability. One effective approach involves diversifying attractions by organizing festivals or cultural events during off-peak seasons to attract visitors throughout the year. Providing skill development programs can help workers transition between different roles as tourism slows down. Furthermore, regions can explore alternative employment opportunities in industries such as agriculture or local crafts. Government support, promotional campaigns, and regional collaborations are also crucial in maintaining steady employment and supporting the local economy year-round.

Activities geared towards promoting eco-friendly accommodations, advocating responsible tourist conduct, and engaging local communities in tourism planning functions are instrumental in harmonizing economic expansion with environmental and cultural conservation.



Tourism Investment Stimulating & Growth in Local Infrastructure, Community, and SMEs

In regions endowed with natural beauty or revered for their spiritual significance, there is often a notable upsurge in tourism. This influx of visitors stimulates investment in local infrastructure, including transportation, healthcare, and public services. As tourists gravitate toward these locales, the demand for improved roads, public transportation, and medical facilities escalates, prompting local authorities and businesses to channel resources into enhancements. These developments not only benefit tourists but also elevate the quality of life for local residents. Over the long term, these upgrades result in job creation, economic expansion, and the establishment of sustainable community services, contributing to a robust and diversified local economy.

Small enterprises form the cornerstone of the nation's economic advancement. By 2025, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) aims to augment the sector's contribution to the country's GDP by up to 50%. The travel and tourism industry stands as a pivotal market, holding the potential to invigorate the growth of local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a multitude of ways. The rise in tourist influx, both international and domestic, engenders heightened demand for goods and services, thereby propelling the growth of SMEs. The sector's evolving dynamics present an opportunity for the emergence of new businesses or services that can effectively cater to the diverse needs of travelers. As tourist demands evolve, industry participants will need to innovate to proficiently address these requisites. Given their diversified services across various categories and markets, small businesses can play a critical role in meeting the needs of travelers.

The burgeoning tourism sector significantly and positively impacts businesses within the hospitality (hotels, homestays, and guesthouses), F&B (restaurants and cafes), transportation (taxi services, car rentals, and tour operators), retail (souvenir shops, local markets, and artisanal crafts), entertainment (cultural shows, museums, and adventure sports providers), and recreational services (spas, wellness centers, and beauty salons) sectors. Furthermore, from a macroeconomic standpoint, the agriculture sector (supply of fresh produce) and the construction industry (development and renovation of tourism-related infrastructure) are experiencing favorable growth trends.

Initiatives and Policies Ensuring Economic Benefits

When tourism revenues are reinvested into local communities, they often fuel various initiatives that enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Infrastructure projects, such as building or improving roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, are common beneficiaries of this reinvestment. Additionally, funds may support local businesses through grants and training programs, fostering economic growth and job creation. Policies ensuring equitable distribution of these benefits often include community engagement in decision-making processes, transparent financial practices, and targeted investments in underserved areas, thereby promoting inclusivity and long-term community well-being.

Impactful Sustainable Tourism Practices

Tourism serves as an igniter, spreading economic vibrancy across various sectors such as hospitality, local crafts, and services. Sustainable tourism practices play a pivotal role in fostering long-term economic development, ensuring equitable distribution of tourism benefits over time while preserving resources for future generations. Activities geared towards promoting eco-friendly accommodations, advocating responsible tourist conduct, and engaging local communities in tourism planning functions are instrumental in harmonizing economic expansion with environmental and cultural conservation. This harmony facilitates the enduring allure and sustainability of tourist destinations.