Spain: Tourism Employment Surpasses 2,9 Million in April

International

April 2025 marked a significant rise in tourism-related employment in Spain, with a 3.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The number of workers affiliated with tourism activities grew by 98,638, bringing the total number of employees in the sector to over 2.9 million. This surge was partly driven by the positive impact of Easter. Tourism employment now accounts for 13.5% of the total Social Security affiliates in Spain, compared to a national employment growth rate of 2.2% for the month.

Growth in All Sectors of Tourism Employment

Employment rose in all tourism-related sectors in April. The hospitality sector saw the largest increase, with 54,282 new jobs – 21,152 in accommodation services and 33,130 in food and beverage services. Travel agencies and tour operators also reported growth, with 2,273 new workers. Other tourism activities added 42,083 jobs.

Rising Number of Salaried Workers

The number of salaried employees in the tourism sector rose by 4% compared to April 2024, representing 82.6% of all tourism workers. This increase reflects improvements in job quality within the sector, according to the ministry. Employment in travel agencies and tour operators grew by 2.5%, while hospitality jobs increased by 3.5%. Specifically, accommodation services saw a 5.4% rise, while food and beverage services grew by 2.9%.

Self-Employment in Tourism Also on the Rise

Self-employed workers, making up 17.4% of the tourism workforce, increased by 1.1%. The hospitality sector showed a slight rise of 0.2%, with a 0.1% increase in food and beverage services and a 2% rise in accommodation services. Travel agencies reported a more substantial growth of 5.4% in self-employed numbers.

Balearic Islands Lead Regional Growth

Employment in hospitality, travel agencies, and tour operators increased in all Spanish regions except the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. The Balearic Islands recorded the highest growth rate (5%) compared to the same month last year, followed by Cantabria (3.9%) and the Valencian Community (3.7%).