The perils of COVID-19 pandemic is all but over, after causing a havoc in the lives of people and affecting the fortunes of the economy for over two years.
The tourism and hospitality industries were hit to an irrecoverable level. Despite the fall in business and challenges to recuperate from such a horrific experience, it is one of those industries that has managed to bounce back with a rapid and expeditious growth, with business volumes hitting its pre-pandemic level as early as November 2022.
We shall always rejoice this ‘Great Business Recovery’ for years to come, but it left a void in the industry which still needs to be fulfilled. There were lay-offs of the skilled and experienced campaigners and we also witnessed a group of short-staffed workforce, ensuring they do everything they can to save their jobs even at a trifle amount of payout post deductions. These were real, painful decisions for every company and their management, but unfortunately true. The devastating effects of the pandemic have now left many repercussions for our industry to forecast any future catastrophe of this magnitude.
We all know that India is currently hosting the G20 presidency this year. This is being regarded as an exceptional and unprecedented opportunity for our country’s tourism and hospitality sector. This occasion will help the sector to rise & shine once again. G20 events are anticipating high tourist footfalls as India showcases its heritage & hospitality through its Incredible India programme. This will not only cater to expats who are expected to visit India for the summit, but also ensure a vast tourism footfall that is expected due to the extensive ongoing promotions in this sector in future.
By now, I trust we all realise that the hospitality industry has not only shown a tremendous tone of recovery, but also has re-created the opportunities that were void during the black phase of pandemic. However, this has caused prospective hotel management students and fresh graduates to question whether to pursue hospitality and tourism as a worthy career.
In my view, the aspirants should consider the fact that it is a sector that knows to fight back on its own and is always willing to continue in creating growth-linked employment opportunities in future. There lies a great opportunity in exploring hospitality courses as the demand for skilled resources in this industry is huge with every passing day. New hotels, homestays, restaurants, bar and pubs are coming up at a brisk rate and this will continue to rise in the near future. This new normal scenario in the hospitality sector has brought in new avenues of opportunities for both experienced staff and well as new aspirants.
Being one of the most dynamic sectors, the hospitality industry offers a wide range of opportunities and possibilities. As the world recovers from COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 is expected to be one of tourism’s most important years to date, says a recent market research. Hotels are getting ready by hiring new managers and recruits. As a result, it opens many doors for someone who wants to work in this booming industry.
With an easier entry than other sectors, it gives an exposure to a plethora of careers both within and outside the hotel industry. From housekeeping, engineering, and food and beverages to front office, cruise jobs, food production and culinary arts, the list goes on. This sector enables one to learn Customer Interaction, Diversity of Roles, Teamwork and Leadership, Personal and Professional Development and also comes with rider of Global Opportunities and Entrepreneurial Potential for future growth.
India plans to become a USD $5 Trillion economy by 2047, of which the aim is to convert $1 Trillion from tourism and hospitality sector. We are well on course to achieve this milestone and various infrastructure and schemes are being launched on a war-footing to attain the goal. In this scenario, the youth must rethink their earlier decisions of not pursuing this as a career, but as launchpad to a bright future where both the country and the employees of this sector grow together.
