New horizons: WTTC and Deloitte unveil initiative on future of work transformations in tourism

Accounting for one in 10 jobs on the planet, travel and tourism is a key driver of job creation. To ensure a successful transformation in the digital revolution, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Deloitte today announced a collaboration to support the tourism sector in addressing the anticipated work and workforce shifts in the sector and associated public policy impacts.

The Future of Work in Travel & Tourism report will bring together industry expertise to identify sector best practices and public policy recommendations, to help tourism businesses navigate future of work challenges over the next decade and beyond.

Evolution in the tourism space, along with shifts taking place across the global workforce, will continue to drive the need for businesses to pay special attention to talent models – particularly as they look to new digital technologies to improve the experience of travel. The report will provide insights for businesses taking on these challenges, including relevant and actionable recommendations that will support a reimagination of work and workforce across the sector.

Gloria Guevara, president and CEO of WTTC said: “With one in five of all new jobs created in the last five years coming from travel and tourism and 100 million jobs expected to be created by the sector worldwide in the coming decade; it is vital that our sector is fully prepared to make the most of this opportunity. This means that we must understand the roles which people will be performing across our sector; the influence of technology in enhancing the way that companies work with consumers; and the importance of government policy to facilitate best practice and innovation across the sector.”

“The Future of Work in Travel & Tourism report will allow us to rethink how work and workforces enabled by digital transformations can enhance customer experiences across a number of industries including hotels, cruises, airlines, transportation and restaurants – all supported by the collaboration and coordination of public and private sectors,” said Guy Langford, vice chairman and US leader of the transportation, hospitality and services industry in Deloitte.

WTTC and Deloitte will begin the groundwork immediately with plans to unveil The Future of Work in Travel & Tourism report in April 2020 at the WTTC Global Summit in San Juan, Puerto Rico.