Tourism and Labor Markets in Transition: Sustainability, Equity, and Workforce Resilience in the Post-Pandemic Era

Tourism is one of the world’s most labour-intensive sectors, generating employment across hospitality, transport, retail, and cultural industries. Yet, despite its contributions to economic growth, tourism employment is often characterized by precarity, informality, and vulnerability to external shocks. This literature review synthesizes recent scholarship (2023–2025) on the relationship between tourism and labour markets, with particular attention to the disruptions and transformations triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The review identifies three central themes: the quantity versus quality of jobs, the growing emphasis on sustainability and skills development, and persistent challenges of equity and inclusivity. Empirical studies from Europe, Asia, and beyond demonstrate that while tourism can stimulate local labour markets and generate spillover effects, employment outcomes are highly contingent upon regulatory frameworks, institutional strength, and regional economic structures. The discussion highlights tensions between flexibility and security in tourism employment, the underrepresentation of worker experiences, and the uneven geographical focus of current research. Identified gaps include the need for longitudinal and mixed-method studies, intersectional analyses of inclusivity, and investigations into the role of technology in reshaping the workforce. The paper concludes that tourism remains both a promise and a paradox for labour markets: it creates employment opportunities but also reproduces inequalities and vulnerabilities. Future research and policy must therefore focus on integrating tourism into broader labour market strategies, ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and resilient employment in the 21st century.