The travel industry in India is expected to create around 200,000 jobs within the next 12 to 18 months, with a significant portion of these jobs being generated by the hotel industry. As more hotels open in different markets, companies are hiring for various positions, including permanent, temporary, and gig roles. While there has been a 271% increase in hirings in the hotel industry over the past two years, there are challenges such as low wages and long working hours that are causing young workers to leave the industry. Industry leaders stress the importance of offering competitive salaries, health insurance, work-life balance, and opportunities for career advancement to retain talent in the sector.
To address the challenges of retaining young professionals in the travel industry, there is a need for better collaboration between educational institutions and industry players to bridge the gap between hospitality education and industry requirements. Leaders in the industry emphasize the importance of evolving to meet the needs of the new generation of workers who have different expectations compared to those in the past. Providing incentives such as health insurance, work-life balance, and competitive salaries are crucial to attracting and retaining talent in the travel industry.
In April 2024, Indian airlines carried 13.2 million passengers, marking a 2.42% growth compared to the previous year. Between January and April, domestic carriers served nearly 52.35 million passengers. IndiGo continued to dominate the market, holding a majority share of 60.6% in April. Despite some disruptions, such as delays and cancellations by certain airlines, passenger complaints have been minimal. Akasa Air was recognized for delivering the best on-time performance among domestic airlines.
India and the UK have revised their air service agreement to expand air connectivity between London, Delhi, and Mumbai. The updated agreement will increase the weekly cap on flights between the two countries from 56 to 70, allowing for an additional 14 flights per week. This agreement will come into effect during the winter season, allowing airlines to determine the number and schedule of these additional flights. Currently, Indian carriers operate 38 weekly flights between the airports, while British carriers have reached their limit of 56.
60% of visitors to Sri Lanka are from India, highlighting the strong tourism ties between the two countries. Sri Lanka heavily relies on tourism, and efforts have been made to attract more Indian tourists, such as waiving visa fees and extending visa-free access. The recent tensions between India and the Maldives have also led to an increase in Indian tourists choosing Sri Lanka as their travel destination. Overall, the tourism sector plays a significant role in fostering relations between India and Sri Lanka.
