According to some assessments, concerns about the functioning of global travel and tourism institutions may contribute to a decline in interest among younger generations in pursuing careers in the sector. Uncertain prospects and a perceived lack of tangible results may influence career choices.
According to a UN report, World Social Report 2025, the world is facing a decline in trust in governments, institutions, companies and each other. The resulting instability in economic, social and political systems directly affects job security. The effects of climate change and escalating conflicts further complicate the situation, increasing fear of job loss worldwide.
The travel and tourism industry is particularly vulnerable to these global challenges. Examples include the decline in tourism in certain regions, which can be linked to fears caused by political measures (e.g. United States) or the impact of conflicts (e.g. Middle East, South Asia, South-East Asia). These crises are often described as man-made and avoidable events that are part of broader geopolitical tensions.
All types of conflict have an impact on jobs, and travel and tourism are often among the first sectors to be affected. This can lead to job losses, where younger, newly hired employees may be the first to be affected by redundancies based on the “last in, first out” principle. This is a significant change from the situation 35 years ago, when tourism was promoted as a major job-creating industry. Although the sector is still able to create jobs in a stable environment, peace and stability can easily be disrupted by external events in an interconnected world.
As tourism is generally considered a discretionary expenditure in household budgets, it is often the first item to be cut during times of economic hardship in order to free up resources for other essential expenditures (health, food, education, housing).
The UN report, which warns of a collapse in confidence and growing fears in the workplace, may reinforce concerns about the future stability and attractiveness of the tourism sector. The report also addresses the role of misinformation, which, amplified by digital technologies, can further increase mistrust and division.