Spain's Hospitality Sector Faces Extreme Staff Turnover Amid Job Growth

Spain's tourism sector is a significant engine for job creation, with over 2.7 million registered workers at the end of 2025, representing 12.7% of the national workforce. By May 2026, this figure surpassed 3 million, reaching 13.7% of total employment. Despite these numbers, a report by CC OO highlights a stark reality: extreme staff rotation. For every new contract in accommodation or restoration, a departure is recorded. Last year, the sector saw 4.14 million hires and 4.11 million departures, resulting in a net gain of only 26,884 employees. "The increase in hiring in the hospitality sector is marked by high labor turnover, one of the highest in the economy," stated Paco Galván, head of Hospitality and Tourism for the CC OO Services Federation. He cited low wages, temporary contracts, long working hours, excessive workloads, and a lack of professional development as primary causes, leading to precariousness being the norm. While turnover slightly decreased in the first five months of 2026 due to increased hiring for the summer season, the imbalance persists. The sector registered 1.69 million hires and 1.42 million departures, a net positive of 268,679 affiliations. However, the report notes 84.1 departures for every 100 hires, indicating significant instability. Adding to these challenges is the housing crisis in major tourist destinations. Soaring rental costs consume a significant portion of salaries, making it difficult to attract workers from other regions. Major hotel chains are attempting to address this by providing housing, but the fundamental issues of low pay and poor working conditions remain.

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There are not enough professionals; what are lacking are dignified working conditions in our sector.