The travel industry has seen a significant 80% increase in job vacancies for September, marking unprecedented growth since January. This surge was matched by a notable rise in job seekers, reaching the highest numbers observed since 2017. Additionally, job placements have increased by 27%, showing a resurgence in hiring activities. Experts caution against complacency, urging for continued momentum into the final quarter of the year. These trends could signal a robust recovery for the travel sector post-summer, providing optimism for future growth.
The travel sector experienced a remarkable 80% rise in job vacancies during September, according to data from C&M Travel Recruitment. This was the most substantial month-on-month increase recorded since the start of the year, bringing vacancy levels to their highest in six months and marking a 29% increase from the same period in 2023.
In tandem with the surge in vacancies, the number of candidates initiating job searches reached the highest level for any September since 2017. The industry noted a 12% rise compared to August figures and a 29% increase from September of the previous year.
Similarly, job placements saw a 27% increase, with candidates securing positions at rates not seen since May. This indicates a healthy pace of recruitment, as aspirations for employment within the sector rise.
Barbara Kolosinska, Managing Director at C&M Travel Recruitment, expressed optimism about the figures, stating, “While it’s great that new placements, vacancies and candidates all rose month-on-month in September, it’s even better to see that vacancies and candidates also increased from the same month in 2023 – with placements holding steady too.”
However, industry experts caution that despite the positive indicators, there is a need to maintain this momentum into the fourth quarter. The quiet summer period posed challenges, but the resurgence in September offers a foundation for future growth if sustained.
The significant increases in vacancies, candidates, and placements present an optimistic outlook for the travel industry as it approaches the end of the year.
