Travel & tourism’s reflection on global job trends: Insights from September 2023

The global labor market, a nuanced network of demand and supply, reflects the health of economies, the push and pull of industries, and socio-economic factors. One sector that has consistently acted as a litmus test for economic health is travel & tourism. Its dance of rises and dips, especially over the last two years, brings intriguing insights into the broader job market. Before delving deep into the travel & tourism sector, let’s first set the broader labor context.

This month recorded an impressive 17.4 million job postings globally. Yet, when viewed through the prism of historical data, the picture grows more intricate. September 2023’s postings were 16.7% lower than the previous year, a sizable contraction of almost 3.49 million.

In North America, the historical stalwart, the US, displayed a downturn in its job postings. Contrasting this, its neighbors – Mexico, Colombia, and Canada – chart an ascending trajectory, signaling diverse economic impulses. Europe presents a surprise with France taking the helm in job postings, leaving behind the US, while the UK retains a formidable albeit slightly diminished stance. Asia’s story remains shrouded, with Japan’s withholding of month-to-month data. In South America and Oceania, nations like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia radiate promise. Conversely, Australia’s job canvas paints a more subdued picture.

The current job market shows a distinct inclination towards roles emphasizing interpersonal interactions and management. Receptionists, representing frontline customer roles, are particularly prominent, underscoring the value of direct consumer engagement in today’s business environment. Similarly, strategic positions like Project Managers and Business Development Managers are in demand, highlighting businesses’ focus on growth and project-centric strategies.

Interestingly, despite the tech wave, positions like ‘Software Engineer’ are less prevalent than expected, potentially due to market saturation or a change in industry priorities. Meanwhile, roles related to logistics, support, and administration continue to be crucial, indicating their foundational importance in various sectors.

June 2023 marked a crescendo for the travel & tourism sector, boasting 111,972 job postings. A mere three months later, September’s numbers ebbed to 87,570. Within these confines, ‘Receptionist’ roles mirrored the broader labor trend. Designations like Sales Manager and Travel Consultant illuminated the sector’s consumer-centric ethos and the pivot to customized travel paradigms. Moreover, the continued relevance of roles such as “Barista,” “Bartender,” “Chef,” and “Hostess” reaffirm the undying essence of hospitality in tourism.