Hospitality and Tourism Industry Trends (2025–2035) and Career Prospects for Undergraduate Students
The hospitality and tourism industry is one of the largest and most resilient global employers. Between 2025 and 2035, the industry is expected to undergo significant transformation, driven by technology, sustainability, changing consumer behaviour, and economic growth, particularly in emerging markets like India. For undergraduate students, this presents a decade of exciting career possibilities, provided they are ready to embrace change and develop future-ready skills.
- Global Trends (2025–2035)
- Career Prospects for Undergraduate Students
- Industry Outlook & Growth (India & Global)
- Final Advice for Students
- Conclusion
Global Trends (2025–2035)
- Smart Hospitality
Automation, AI, and IoT will power guest experiences—think voice-controlled rooms, facial recognition check-ins, and data-driven service personalization.
- Sustainable Tourism
Eco-friendly hotels, zero-waste policies, and green travel experiences will be standard. Regulatory bodies and travelers will increasingly prioritize responsible tourism.
- Experience-First Travel
Tourists will seek meaningful and immersive experiences—local culture, food, nature, and wellness—over traditional sightseeing.
- Hybrid and Remote-Friendly Hospitality
Post-pandemic trends like “workations” and digital nomad hubs will fuel demand for hybrid business-leisure (bleisure) services.
- AI, Data & Personalization
Hotels and tour companies will use big data to tailor offerings to individual guests, from curated itineraries to personalized wellness programs.
India-Specific Trends (2025–2035)
- Domestic Tourism Boom
With a rising middle class and better infrastructure, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are becoming travel hotspots. Religious, cultural, and wellness tourism will thrive.
- Government Support & Investment
Initiatives like Dekho Apna Desh, Swadesh Darshan, and PM Gati Shakti are enhancing tourism infrastructure and job creation.
- Digital Transformation of Indian Hospitality
Mobile-first bookings, regional language support, and AI-driven guest engagement are reshaping hotel operations.
- Sustainable Hospitality
Hotels are adopting solar energy, waste segregation, and eco-certifications to align with global ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards.
- Event and Wedding Tourism
India's position as a global wedding destination and hub for spiritual gatherings offers vast event management opportunities.
Career Prospects for Undergraduate Students
Hospitality and tourism are no longer limited to hotel management. A wide range of career paths await undergraduates, especially those with a blend of soft skills, digital literacy, and cultural awareness.
- Hotel & Resort Operations
Jobs: Front Office Executive, Guest Relations Officer, Operations Trainee
Future Scope: Tech-enabled roles in smart property management and guest experience.
- Travel & Tourism Services
Jobs: Travel Consultant, Itinerary Designer, Tourism Executive
Future Scope: Personalisation experts for luxury and niche travel.
- Event Management
Jobs: Event Coordinator, Wedding Planner, Corporate Event Assistant
Future Scope: Growth in hybrid (virtual + in-person) event management.
- Food & Beverage Services
Jobs: F\&B Associate, Barista, Culinary Trainee
Future Scope: Farm-to-table operations, sustainable cuisine, and food innovation.
- Eco & Adventure Tourism
Jobs: Tour Guide, Adventure Travel Planner, Wildlife Camp Coordinator
Future Scope: Strong demand as eco-conscious travel continues to rise.
- Hospitality Tech & Digital Services
Jobs: Reservation System Operator, Social Media Assistant, CRM Analyst
Future Scope: Data analytics, UX for travel apps, AI concierge tools.
Industry Outlook & Growth (India & Global)
India: Expected GDP growth of 6.3–6.5% through 2030, with tourism contributing over \$500 billion to GDP by 2035. Over 50 million jobs are expected to be supported by the hospitality and tourism sector.
Global: Tourism expected to grow 3.5–4% annually, reaching 2 billion international tourists by 2035. Sustainability and tech innovation will be key drivers.
Final Advice for Students
- Pursue internships early in hotels, travel agencies, or events.
- Build digital fluency—learn tools like Amadeus, Opera, Canva, or CRM platforms.
- Take short certifications in niche areas (wine tasting, heritage tourism, sustainability).
- Develop soft skills: empathy, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability.
- Network actively through LinkedIn, industry fairs, and alumni platforms.
Conclusion
Between 2025 and 2035, the hospitality and tourism industry in India and globally will create millions of jobs, especially for well-prepared undergraduate students. The key to success will be adaptability, tech readiness, and a passion for people and experiences. This decade is your opportunity to shape not just a career, but the future of global hospitality.
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Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 9 months ago
The course fee for KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism BSc programme is around INR 10 lakh. Candidates must pay a one-time fee and a tuition fee to apply for admission at KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism. The fee structure for KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism courses includes various
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered 9 months ago
Yes, KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism is a good college for BSc programme as it offers AICTE-approved courses to students. It is a renowned educational college and offers UG courses across the Hospitality & Travel stream. Further, it is a private college and is also recognised by the UGC. In a
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 9 months ago
Yes, it is worth pursuing BSc at KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism as it is approved by the AICTE and recognised by the UGC. It is a renowned educational college and offers UG courses across the Hospitality & Travel stream. The college offers a BSc programme to students as its flagship programm
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 9 months ago
KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism admission is merit-based for programmes offered at UG levels. The college offers a BSc programme to students across various streams, such as Hospitality & Travel, among others. To get admitted to the KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism, candidates must meet
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered 9 months ago
KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism is a private college and is located in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is a renowned educational college and offers UG courses across the Hospitality & Travel stream. The college is approved by the AICTE and recognised by the UGC. Further, the college has top-notch inf
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Contributor-Level 8
Answered 9 months ago
KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism offers various programmes to students at the UG level. The college offers a BSc programme to students for a duration of 4 years in full-time mode. KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism courses are AICTE-approved and are recognised by UGC. Further, the college
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Contributor-Level 8
KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism provides several opportunities to students for industry exposure, internships, and placement assistance by a dedicated placement team. Further, the placement cell operates throughout the year to facilitate networking between companies and graduates. KIIT School of Hospitality and Tourism provides assistance to students in resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies.