Job Description:
Atithi Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation working to transform Indias tourism sector into a key engine of economic growth. We partner with government bodies, industry leaders, knowledge institutions and community stakeholders to design evidence-based policies and strategies to create livelihoods, safeguard heritage, and strengthen Indias position on the global tourism stage.
Our vision: To make India a $490 billion tourism economy by 2035, with inclusive growth, preserving heritage, and showcasing the nations culture and natural beauty to the world.
Tourism as an Economic Engine: Tourism plays a vital role in India's economy, generating over $200 billion in 2023, accounting for 5.5% of GDP. More importantly, it is a major job creator, supporting nearly 40 million jobs (8% of national employment). Additionally, 54% of the tourism workforce comprises women, highlighting the sectors role in fostering economic inclusion.
Indias Untapped Global Potential: Despite its diverse geography and rich cultural heritage, India attracts only 10Mn Foreign visitors. In contrast, China saw 66 million foreign tourists in 2019, while Vietnam and Thailand welcomed 18 million and 40 million, respectively. This gap presents a significant opportunity for Indias tourism sector to grow with the right strategies.
Key Challenges to Overcome
- Lack of Standardised Data: Tourism is mainly measured by footfall rather than economic impact, limiting effective decision-making
- Narrow Brand Image: India is often perceived as an exotic yet challenging destination. A broader appeal is needed to attract more diverse tourists
- Concentration of Tourism: Major revenues come from only six destinations, leading to overcrowding and overuse of resources in popular spots like Goa and Shimla
- Ease of Doing Business: Complex regulations and lengthy approval processes hinder the development of tourism infrastructure
- Cross-Cutting Governance: Developing new tourist destinations requires coordinated efforts across various government departments, which is currently lacking
ATITHI Foundation leverages philanthropy as a catalyst to unlock India's tourism potential, driving economic growth and job creation.
Founding Team Opportunities: This is a unique opportunity to join a high-impact organisation at an early stage and help shape its direction, culture, and long-term strategy.
We are seeking entrepreneurial professionals for the following roles:
Project Leads: (6+ years of experience)
Project Managers: (3+ years of experience)
Ideal candidates should be smart and entrepreneurial generalists, possess a problem-solving approach, thrive in ambiguity, and have a passion for building organisations. They should be equally comfortable shaping strategy and driving execution, with strong communication skills and a proactive mindset.
The team will focus across the following verticals:
- Governance: Engaging government stakeholders and implementing models like Destination Management Organization and Special Tourism Advancement Regions
- Ease of Doing Business: Addressing regulatory barriers to unlock private sector growth
- Data and Measurement: Shifting from footfall to value-based tourism metrics. Branding: Creating targeted branding strategies
- Innovative Funding Solutions: Designing models like Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to develop new tourism infrastructure
Atithi Foundation is committed to conducting deep, action-oriented research, driving awareness at both national and international levels, and developing scalable pilot projects to unlock value in tourism.
Join us in this exciting journey to build India's tourism sector and unlock opportunities for millions of Indians!
Apply here Or mail to : vanshika@theconvergencefoundation.org