About one in seven jobs
Tourism continues to drive job creation and has reached a remarkable milestone in employment. The sector closed a recent period with a broad mix of companies contributing to record hiring, supported by stronger domestic demand and international travel. According to records from the social security administration and national ministries, tourism employment now accounts for a substantial share of the economy, illustrating the sector’s resilience and its role in national growth. In 2023, officials highlighted tourism as a standout contributor to employment and a sign of the robust business structure following the pandemic.
Over the past year, the tourism industry added a notable number of jobs. In the spring and early summer, hiring rose across all branches of tourism. Accommodation services saw large gains, followed by substantial increases in food and beverage services. Travel agencies also expanded their workforce, while other tourism activities posted meaningful gains. These shifts reflected a broad-based recovery across hospitality, travel, and related services.
The workforce in tourism paid employees represented a dominant share of the sector’s total payroll in July, rising year over year. Self-employment in tourism remained a smaller yet growing segment, contributing to the overall employment picture as the sector attracted more workers seeking flexibility and opportunity.
These dynamics underscore the importance of stable job creation within tourism. As the industry recovers, the mix of full-time and part-time roles continues to evolve, with a move toward more permanent arrangements and fewer temporary or seasonal contracts. The data point to a steady expansion of skilled positions across hotels, restaurants, travel services, and tour operations.
Industry observers note that the strength of permanent contracts has increased, helping workers enjoy greater income stability. This shift aligns with broader labor market reforms that encourage longer-term employment and reduce the reliance on short-term contracts. The result is a more predictable work environment for those employed in tourism and related services.
In this period, discussions around contract types show a clear trend: permanent contracts are becoming more common, while temporary arrangements are used more selectively. The sector continues to monitor the balance between seasonal demand and year-round staffing, ensuring that employment remains both robust and sustainable.
Stakeholders emphasize that the evolution in employment patterns reflects policy choices and industry commitments to a stable labor market. The tourism sector, home to many of the country’s largest hospitality and travel brands, has long recognized that high-quality employment supports service quality and visitor satisfaction.
stable employment
Looking ahead, analysts expect that employment generated by the sector will remain steady and of high quality this year. A coalition of major industry players, including prominent hotel brands, airlines, and global distribution systems, has noted that temporary employment has fallen to historic lows while permanent contracts have become more widespread. This shift strengthens overall labor stability and supports a more predictable workforce, even as seasonal peaks return.
June data suggest that the proportion of permanent contracts continues to rise, with many positions moving away from temporary arrangements toward long-term engagement. This transition reflects the push by large groups to harmonize labor practices and provide continuous opportunities for workers across the tourism spectrum. The industry has seen a significant increase in permanent positions, with continued emphasis on full-time roles and a growing share of part-time roles that still offer steady prospects.
Observers point out that the move toward stable, long-term employment is connected to broader labor policy reforms enacted in prior years. These reforms have reduced the frequency of temporary arrangements and encouraged permanent employment arrangements. The net effect is a more reliable job environment for those in tourism and allied services, contributing to higher workforce morale and better service delivery.
Overall, the sector remains mindful of seasonality, yet the trajectory points to a durable, quality-oriented labor market. By balancing seasonal needs with enduring employment opportunities, tourism continues to support consumer confidence and regional economic health.
Related posts:
Spain’s Tourism Sector Rebounds Strongly in 2023 Tourism Jobs Surge Across Spain as Summer Demand Rises Revised Analysis of 2022 Labor Market Trends and Permanent Contract Growth 2023 Employment Contract Trends: Indefinite Growth Amid Temporary Contractions Shifting Toward Permanent Contracts: Signals of Stabilizing Employment in Spain Alicante Labor Reform: Shifting Job Stability and Growth The goalscorers of Lionel Scaloni’s cycle in the Argentina national team Spain’s 2022 Labor Reform: Temporary Contracts Down, Permanent Hiring Up Short-Term Contracts in Spain: Summer Trends and the Impact of Labor Reform Tourism Jobs Surge and Stability Amid Record-Breaking Season Canary Islands Tourism Employment and Its Economic Impact Across Spain September foreign hiring patterns and contract mix