Portugal tourism sector faces talent shortage despite year-round hiring shift

The Tourism Talent Report 2026, developed by Bolsa de Empregabilidade, indicates a significant shift in the Portuguese tourism sector. While 68% of companies still recruit to meet seasonal peaks, 67% of businesses now engage in year-round recruitment, seeking permanent teams and long-term careers rather than strictly seasonal staff.

Despite this evolution, the industry faces a critical talent shortage, with 80% of companies reporting difficulties in finding qualified candidates. Key obstacles identified by employers include high employee turnover (42%), unavailability for required schedules (35%), a general lack of candidates (33%), high salary expectations (27%), and challenges in attracting young talent (20%).

To combat these issues, 73% of companies are investing in employer branding through social media, websites, and in-person events. The report, based on data from 111 companies and 5,346 candidates, also notes that while many candidates have professional experience, only about one-third possess specific formal training in the tourism field.