Published on
November 13, 2025
At the TOURISE Summit 2025, Saudi Arabia unveiled ambitious workforce solutions aimed at bridging the 40 million worker gap in the global tourism industry. With tourism projected to generate over 90 million new jobs by 2034, addressing this workforce shortage is critical to sustaining growth and ensuring the sector’s future success. The Saudi Minister emphasized the importance of inclusive employment, particularly for women and youth, and called for strong public-private collaboration to tackle this challenge. The solutions presented are expected to foster equitable job opportunities and support sustainable economic growth worldwide.
The global tourism sector is expected to create over 447 million jobs by 2034, marking an unprecedented expansion in one of the world’s largest employment industries. However, a major challenge looms, as an estimated 40 million worker gap threatens to derail this growth, according to a statement made by Saudi Tourism Minister at the TOURISE Summit 2025 held in Riyadh. The minister called for a collective effort from both the public and private sectors to address this workforce shortage and to ensure that opportunities in the sector are inclusive, benefiting women and youth.
The tourism industry is anticipated to generate approximately 90 million new jobs over the next decade, elevating the global workforce in tourism to more than 447 million people by 2034. Despite this optimistic projection, the sector faces a significant hurdle—an urgent need to fill the 40 million worker gap. Without addressing this shortage, sustaining growth and capitalizing on tourism’s potential as a key driver of global employment and economic development will become increasingly difficult.
At the TOURISE Summit 2025, which saw the participation of over 50 tourism ministers from across the globe, the issue of workforce shortages took center stage. Discussions highlighted the critical need for collaboration between governments, private sector stakeholders, and international organizations to create viable solutions that would fill this gap. The Saudi Tourism Minister also mentioned that the United Nations General Assembly had previously addressed the same issue, emphasizing that global cooperation is essential for addressing the workforce challenges in tourism.
In addition to the worker shortage, the summit also focused on the future of technology in tourism, particularly the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the sector. While acknowledging the transformative potential of AI in streamlining operations and enhancing customer service, the Saudi minister underscored that no technology could replace the human connection that is essential to the tourism experience. AI, while beneficial, should be seen as a tool that augments human interaction rather than replaces it.
The minister emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the tourism workforce, highlighting the sector’s significant potential for diverse employment opportunities. With 40% of jobs in tourism being accessible to women and 30% to youth, the sector plays a crucial role in promoting workforce equality. This is particularly vital in many developing regions, where women and young people often face barriers to economic participation. Tourism, with its wide appeal and varied roles, provides an opportunity to create equitable opportunities for these underrepresented groups.
Furthermore, the Saudi Tourism Minister highlighted the need for international cooperation to ensure that all regions, particularly those in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, can benefit from the growth of the tourism industry. He urged global leaders to work together to ensure that developing economies are not left behind and can access the tools and resources needed to tap into the potential of tourism for sustainable development.
The conversation around tourism’s future at the TOURISE Summit 2025 was not just about growth, but about ensuring that this growth is sustainable and inclusive. The tourism sector, which has proven to be a resilient industry, offers immense potential for job creation and economic stability. However, realizing this potential requires urgent action to address workforce gaps, ensure equitable participation, and leverage technology in a way that supports human connection.
The global tourism sector is at a crossroads. On one hand, it stands poised to add millions of jobs and contribute significantly to economic growth. On the other hand, it faces a looming workforce crisis that could undermine this progress. The call to action from the Saudi Tourism Minister at the TOURISE Summit 2025 emphasizes the need for immediate collaboration and innovative solutions to ensure the sector’s future success. The summit’s discussions laid the groundwork for international strategies that can address these challenges and secure tourism’s position as a pillar of global employment and social mobility.
As countries look to capitalize on tourism’s potential, the importance of creating a diverse, inclusive workforce cannot be overstated. Governments and private sector players must unite to provide training, resources, and opportunities that empower women, youth, and underserved communities. Only by working together can the tourism sector overcome its current challenges and continue to thrive as a vital force for global economic development and prosperity.
