One in Nine Global Jobs in Travel: VFS Global CEO
VFS Global CEO Zubin Karkaria reveals that one in nine global jobs is in travel and tourism, highlighting a surge in Indian students heading to Europe.
The global travel and tourism sector continues to demonstrate an unbreakable spirit despite facing repeated global crises. Zubin Karkaria, the Founder and CEO of VFS Global, recently highlighted the immense resilience of the industry, asserting that the world remains open and accessible to those who wish to navigate it.
Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Karkaria pointed out that the industry has weathered significant storms, including the SARS outbreak, H1N1, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Despite these hurdles, the sector has consistently bounced back, proving that the human desire to travel persists regardless of the circumstances.
A Massive Economic Engine
The scale of the travel industry is not just about leisure; it is a critical pillar of the global economy. Karkaria cited data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) to illustrate the sector's impact:
- Economic Contribution: The travel and tourism sector contributes a staggering 12 trillion dollars to the global economy.
- Employment Power: One in nine jobs worldwide is linked to travel and tourism, whether directly or indirectly.
The Shift in Indian Student Mobility
One of the most striking trends noted by the VFS Global chief is the changing preference of Indian students seeking higher education abroad. While the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK have traditionally been the top destinations, there is a noticeable pivot toward Europe.
Karkaria revealed that the number of Indian students traveling to European countries has seen a substantial increase of 60% to 70% year-on-year over the last two years. He suggested that India is already one of the top two source markets for universities globally and could soon claim the number one spot.
According to Karkaria, this shift is driven by a change in mindset. Students are becoming more conscious and selective, focusing more deeply on the specific content and value of the courses they choose rather than just the destination.
The Backbone of Secure Mobility
Addressing the operational side of global movement, Karkaria discussed why VFS Global has maintained long-term partnerships with governments for over two decades. He emphasized that the business of visa processing and mobility is fundamentally a "high-security business."
To maintain this trust and ensure the integrity of their services, VFS Global adheres to a rigorous oversight regime. Karkaria disclosed that the company undergoes approximately 10,000 audits every year, conducted both internally and externally by the governments they serve.
VFS Global continues to position itself as a global leader in technology services, focusing on empowering secure mobility for both citizens and governments worldwide.