The number of new candidates searching for travel jobs rose by 27% last month to the highest level seen in November for five years.
The figure was the highest total since March, according to C&M Travel Recruitment, representing a 6% rise on the same month last year.
The total was also 41% higher than in November 2019 and down by less than 1% on November 2018.
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C&M Travel Recruitment managing director Barbara Kolosinska said: “The travel industry has been crying out all year for quality candidates, so we’re very pleased to see this big increase in applicants.”
November recorded a 23% rise in the number of new travel job vacancies, but the figure was down by 24% on the same month in 2022 and down 28% on November 2019.
The number of travel job placements fell by 7% last month compared with October, with the figure also 56% down on both November 2022 and November 2019.
Hailing the increase in travel candidates, Kolosinska said: “There is clearly some quality talent out there ready to be snapped up by the right roles.”
She added that it would be important to offer good salaries to fill roles in the coming weeks and months.
“All attention now turns to the New Year, which is traditionally an extremely busy time for travel recruitment, but the increased competition means that companies will need to ensure they offer attractive salaries and packages – particularly at lower levels – in order to attract talent,” said Kolosinska.