More than 100 million travel and tourism jobs could return in 2021, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

A strong summer of travel is expected as the sector begins its road to recovery from late March onwards, with many major travel companies reporting a significant rise in forward bookings.

The latest economic forecast from the WTTC shows that in the most optimistic scenario, as many as 111 million jobs could be revived, although this would still be 17 per cent below 2019 figures, accounting for 54 million fewer jobs.

This scenario factors in widespread vaccination programmes and adoption of comprehensive test-and-trace regimes.

A more conservative outcome could see a return of 84 million jobs, with recovery pushed to the second half of 2021 and vaccines rolled out more gradually.

Travel and tourism’s contribution to global GDP will fall 17 per cent compared to 2019 figures, to US$7.4 trillion, in the best-case scenario, and by more than one quarter (27 per cent), to US$6.5 trillion, in a conservative outcome.

WTTC president & CEO Gloria Guevara said: “We are looking forward to a strong summer of travel, thanks to a combination of mask wearing, the global vaccination rollout and testing on departure unlocking the door to international travel once more.

“Our latest research supports this and shows there is definitely hope on the horizon for the global travel and tourism sector in the year ahead, with the possible recovery of up to 111 million jobs.

“This projected outcome will come as huge relief and be welcomed as the beginning of the long-awaited recovery, for a sector which has for so long suffered the brunt of hugely damaging travel restrictions.

“WTTC first predicted the return of the sector through its 100 Million Jobs Recovery Plan, presented at last October’s historic G20 Tourism Ministers meeting, which was attended, for the first time, by 45 WTTC Member CEOs.

“Now we believe the sector’s return will become a reality, thanks in part to WTTC’s commitment and determination to save and support the sector, through some of the darkest days of pandemic.

“But we must guard against complacency as the recovery is not a forgone conclusion. There is still a long way to go and we will encounter many more bumps in the road ahead. Vaccinations in major source markets, such as the UK and the US, will help us navigate our way out of the pandemic into a world where travel can once again thrive.

“We cannot rely solely upon one solution and the rollout of vaccines to restart international travel. Testing on departure will still be critical to restore travel while respecting the safe protocols and recovering as many jobs as possible across travel and tourism, and throughout the wider economy.”