The source of this report is an official note published by the Ministry of Industry and Tourism of Spain, which presents updated data on Social Security affiliation in the tourism sector for October 2025. According to the Ministry, tourism employment reached 2,855,255 workers, representing a year-on-year increase of almost 97,000 affiliates. Salaried workers account for over 82% of the sector and grew more than 4%, while self-employed workers, representing nearly 18%, also showed a positive increase. Hospitality led the expansion, with more than 49,000 additional affiliates in activities related to accommodation, food and beverage services. Importantly, every Spanish region recorded employment growth, with particularly strong performance in the Balearic Islands and Andalusia.

This development is significant for European tourism because Spain remains one of the continent’s leading destinations, and its labour-market trends reflect broader shifts in the industry. Employment growth often indicates strengthened service capacity, renewed investment, and a sector capable of responding to evolving traveller expectations. It also suggests a move toward more stable, professionalised tourism services, which can support sustainable management, improved visitor experience and resilience against seasonal fluctuations.

Furthermore, Spain’s strong performance can enhance Europe’s overall competitiveness by demonstrating how a major destination adapts to structural changes, such as rising demand for sustainability, diversified tourism products, and better integration of local communities into tourism chains. Monitoring these employment trends helps policymakers, businesses and EU-level stakeholders understand how the tourism ecosystem is transforming in real time.

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