Employment in the tourism sector nears 3.1 million registered workers following a 3.7% increase in July

In July, the number of registered workers linked to tourism activities rose by 110,712 in absolute terms, reaching a total of nearly 3.1 million workers, according to data published by Turespaña. This represents an increase of 3.7% over the same month last year. In relation to the labour market of the country as a whole, which grew 2.8% year-on-year this month, tourism employment accounts for 13.9% of the total number of contributors.

The number of registered workers rose in the hospitality sector, recording an increase of 70,409 (21,246 in accommodation services and 49,163 in food and beverage services). Conversely, the figure for travel agencies was negative, recording a drop of 1,587 workers.

It should be clarified, as stated in a footnote included in the technical data sheet linked at the end of this press release, that this figure does not reflect an actual decline, as it is influenced by changes made to the CNAE (National Classification of Economic Activities), which have reclassified certain activities previously categorised under 'travel agencies' into other categories.

Number of salaried employees grows by 4.1%

In July, the number of salaried employees in the tourism sector (who make up 85% of the workforce) increased by 4.1% compared to the same month the previous year. By sector, salaried employment fell in travel agencies and tour operators (down 1.5%) and rose in the hospitality sector (4%); within the latter, it increased by 3.6% in accommodation services and 4.1% in food and beverage services.

Meanwhile, self-employment in tourism - accounting for 15% of all registered workers - rose by 1.8%. The hospitality sector saw a 1.3% increase, driven by growth in accommodation services (17%) and food and beverage services (0.1%). Travel agencies recorded a 4.1% year-on-year drop in the number of self-employed workers, a decline also influenced by changes in the CNAE (national economic activity classification) codes.

Valencian Community: highest employment growth

In July 2026, employment across the hospitality, travel agency and tour operator sectors increased in every autonomous community, with the exception of Ceuta and Melilla.

In absolute terms, the largest increase occurred in Andalusia (an increase of 12,320 registered workers). In relative terms, the greatest growth took place in the Valencian Community (5%), mirroring the trend seen in June.

Non official translation