ROLE OF TOURISM INDUSTRY IN EMPLOYMENT GENERATION IN INDIA

Tourism has been a major social observable fact of all societies. It is an instrument for employment generation, poverty alleviation and sustainable human resource development. The spread of education has promoted an aspiration to know more about different parts of the world.

Tourism is one economic sector in India that has the potential to grow at a high rate and can ensure consequential development of the infrastructure at the destination. This is a composite sector, generating income in many activities as sector & sub-sector like hotels & other accommodation, travel agents and tour operators, transport service, shopping facilities etc.

• India is a unique destination for domestic and foreign travellers. India is a huge country with great values. The saying “Atithi Devo Bhava” welcomes and pleases foreign arrivals.
• Many foreign tourist appreciate the simplicity, flora & fauna of the villages of India. And many travellers arrive in India to learn Yoga, Meditation.
• The historical & architectural sites, wildlife sanctuaries, pilgrim centers, forts, beaches, unique taste of food of the country welcome tourist from all around the globe.
• Over 17.9 million foreign tourist arrivals in India in 2019 compared to 17.4 millions in 2018, representing a growth of 3.5%. This makes India the 22th most visited nation globally and 8th in Asia and pacific.
• Domestic tourist visits to all states and union territories numbered 1,036.35 million in 2015.
• Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kerala, Agra & Jaipur were the six most visited cities in India by foreign tourist during 2015.
• The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2016 ranked India 35th out of the 140 countries.

Employment opportunities in tourism Industry:

Based on the involvement or contribution to the tourism supply side, employment opportunities in tourism & hospitality sectors can be created directly or Indirectly.

Direct employment activities are :- employment by hotel, restaurants, travel agencies, museums, cruise lines, resorts or shopping outlets, national parks, religious sites, monuments, local transportation, local tour guides, cook and scouts etc.

Indirect employment activities are :- restaurant suppliers, aircraft manufacturers, construction companies that build and maintain tourist sites, various handicrafts products, marketing agencies, accounting services etc.

Challenges of employment in tourism Industry:

Tourism create diversified employment opportunities in different sectors like: accommodation, food and beverages, transportation services, travel agencies, tour operators, natural and cultural attraction sites, etc. The challenges in tourism industry are:

1) Poor pay and working condition,

2) Discrimination,

3) Unequal treatment,

4) Low education and training,

5) Undemocratic and rigid corporate culture,

6) Seasonality and political instability which drastically reduce the number of visitors which is turn brings high employees turn over.

Mohd Bilal Khan is a student pursuing HMTT from Jamia Millia Islamia.

Edited by: Yusuf Aziz