The tourism sector in Europe is undergoing a significant transformation driven by post-pandemic recovery, digitalization, and a growing commitment to sustainability. According to the report “Salary Trends in the Tourism Sector Worldwide – 2025” by Catenon, a salary increase in Europe of between 3% and 5% is projected for the coming years, highlighting Spain as a key player in this process of change.
Europe leads in terms of salaries within the tourism sector, especially in the hotel sector, where notable increases are observed. The report points out that areas related to sustainability and technology are experiencing a boom in remuneration, with increases of up to 12% in salaries linked to sustainable tourism. Spain stands out as a leader in responsible destinations, with regions such as the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, and Catalonia at the forefront of this trend.
Iñigo Pérez, General Director of the Tourism Division of Catenon, emphasizes how the integration of technology and sustainability in Spain is enhancing competitive and specialized job opportunities, driving the transformation of tourism globally. The digitalization of the sector is redefining local labor demands, increasing the need for specialized profiles, and promoting projects with an environmental and slow travel focus as the foundations of tourism in the future.
Technology and sustainability are identified as growth drivers in Europe, with roles in big data analysis, digital marketing, and experience personalization seeing salary increases of up to 15%. Spain is at the forefront of the development of technological platforms and the management of tourism data. In addition, jobs related to green logistics and environmental responsibility are on the rise, especially in premium tourist destinations such as the Balearic Islands, where sustainability managers earn salaries that exceed the sector average by 12%.
Despite these advances, the tourism sector faces persistent challenges. Automation is affecting mainly salaries in basic operational roles, such as receptionists or cleaning staff, where increases are minimal. In Spain, salaries for these positions are around 20,000 euros per year, notably below the figures observed in Northern European countries.
Also, there is a notable wage gap across European regions. Germany and France have the highest salaries, while Eastern Europe presents more moderate figures. However, Spain compensates for this disparity with non-monetary benefits, such as work flexibility, telecommuting, and training programs, which contribute to attracting talent to emerging markets.
The report highlights transformations in various tourism subsectors: the hotel industry sees salary increases for managers of up to 7% in Spain; travel agencies experience increases of up to 12% for technology specialists; transportation and logistics show an increase of up to 9% in green mobility roles; and sectors such as gastronomy and entertainment record increases of up to 8% in luxury destinations such as Marbella and Ibiza.
As global tourism approaches 2025, Europe and Spain are at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Data shows a clear trend towards better-paid and specialized jobs, although the need to close internal gaps persists for equitable growth. Europe has the opportunity to not only be competitive but also a global reference in inclusion and sustainability in the tourism sector, concludes Iñigo Pérez.
With a strong commitment to technology and sustainability, Spain and Europe are in the midst of transforming the tourism sector, ensuring their relevance in a highly competitive global market.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
