According to a recent article published by BigHospitality.com, jobs in the UK tourism sector have reportedly experienced more than double the growth seen in other areas of the economy.
Figures show that there has been a growth of 12% over the five year period between 2009 and 2014 with the most notable developments occurring in accommodation as well as in the serving of food and drink. Both areas experienced a 15% rise in jobs.
VisitBritain reported on the rapid growth of the tourism industry on their website, citing the Deloitte prediction that Britain's tourist industry is likely to have a value of over £257 billion by 2025 with an annual growth rate of 3.8% - significantly faster than the UK economy as a whole which, in comparison, is predicted to rise at an annual rate of 3%.
In terms of jobs, it was revealed that 90% of employees in the tourism industry are working in permanent roles, 5% are casual workers and 5% are engaged in alternative temporary employment.
Additionally, it was reported by BigHospitality.com that the profile of those working in the tourism industry has become younger than in other sectors of employment; 26% of those working in the tourism sector are aged between 16 and 24 whilst in non-tourism jobs this age group counts for only 11%.
David Evennett, Tourism Minister, stated that the government's vision for tourism would be focused around "attracting and keeping the best talent" and that one of the top priorities was "to increase the number of apprenticeships in the industry and to champion careers in tourism".
Successfully sustaining the growth of the tourism sector can only be a good thing for the UK economy - VisitBritain director, Patricia Yates commented on the "record-breaking figures... in the growth of international visitors to Britain" and how encouraging visitors to a variety of Britain's regions will help to "ensure that the economic growth from tourism and the jobs that the industry is continuing to deliver are spread right across Britain."
