The number of affiliates in the Social Security system for the tourism sector experienced a positive trend in March, despite the absence of Easter celebrations this year. The month ended with an increase of zero point nine percent compared to the same month last year, equating to nearly twenty five thousand new affiliates, bringing the total to over two point seven million workers. Tourism now constitutes approximately thirteen percent of all affiliates in the country, with the overall job market growing by one point seven percent year on year.

However, not all branches within the tourism sector saw positive results. Hospitality recorded a decline of thirteen thousand seven hundred forty five affiliates, with six thousand four hundred eighty nine in accommodation services and seven thousand two hundred fifty six in food and beverage services. Conversely, travel agencies reported an increase of one thousand eight hundred and twenty two workers, and other tourism activities noted a rise of thirty six thousand five hundred and forty eight workers.

Salaried positions also improved, with an increase of one percent compared to March of last year, representing eighty one point nine percent of the total workforce in the tourism sector. Salaried employment rose in travel agencies and tour operators by one point nine percent, while hospitality experienced a slight decline of zero point seven percent overall.

Canary Islands led the growth with a two point four percent increase in hospitality and travel agencies, while regions like Catalonia and Balearic Islands saw the largest absolute declines, particularly in the case of Balearic Islands with a drop of six point five percent. The data indicates an evolving landscape for employment in tourism across different regions.