Spain faces summer staff shortage as 2026 tourist season accelerates

Spain’s tourism industry is entering the peak summer season amid growing concerns over labour shortages in hotels, restaurants, bars and other hospitality businesses, despite employment reaching record levels nationwide. Industry groups and employers have warned that many destinations are struggling to recruit enough workers as visitor numbers continue to rise and the busiest months of the year approach.

The issue is not new, but businesses say the combination of strong tourism demand, rising housing costs in holiday destinations and difficulties attracting seasonal workers is placing increasing pressure on the sector. Spain remains one of the world’s most visited countries, with international arrivals continuing to grow during 2026. Government figures show more than 32 million international passengers arrived during the first four months of the year, a rise of 5.1% compared with the same period in 2025.

Causes of the staffing shortage

Hospitality employers have reported difficulties filling positions ranging from waiters and cooks to cleaners, receptionists and maintenance staff. The problem is particularly noticeable in coastal resorts, islands and major tourism destinations where demand for workers increases sharply during summer.

One factor frequently cited by employers is housing. In popular tourist destinations, rents have risen significantly in recent years, making it difficult for seasonal workers to afford accommodation close to their workplaces. Spain’s largest hotel group, Meliá, has even purchased properties to house staff because finding affordable rentals in some tourist hotspots has become increasingly difficult.

Industry organisations also point to a longer-term challenge. Many workers left hospitality during the pandemic and subsequently found employment in other sectors, leaving hotels and restaurants with a smaller pool of experienced candidates. Labour shortages continue to be reported across the European hospitality industry, with many employers competing for the same workers.

First hand experience 

However, hospitality workers have a different experience to tell in all of this. Carlos, a seasoned waiter in Granada city, tells EWN his point of view: “For many of us it’s been an ongoing problem since well before the pandemic.” He explains that many restaurant owners do not respect their employees’ working hours: “It may come as a surprise to many, but for us working in this field it’s been ongoing. It’s simply got so bad that many of us do not wish to work in this anymore; at least in Spain!”

He continues to tell us that often they are left working, in some cases, late into the night and without extra pay or days off. “I have friends that have left to work in Norway or Denmark, they are earning 4,000€ or more a month, we don’t see that here. If we add the lack of pay to being overworked, restaurant owners should not act surprised.” His experience is one that is echoed by many waiters working in the hospitality industry.

Regions facing the greatest recruitment pressure

The greatest pressure is expected in destinations heavily dependent on summer tourism. These include the Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and other coastal regions where visitor numbers rise substantially between June and September. Housing shortages have been identified as a particular concern in island destinations where accommodation supply is limited.

Cities such as Málaga and Palma have also reported difficulties recruiting hospitality staff while simultaneously experiencing rapid growth in tourism infrastructure and accommodation.

This does not mean that only high tourist will experience recruitment pressure, staffing issues can arise in any hotel at any given point. In one reported case in Jerez, a five star hotel was so understaffed with cleaners and reception workers that check-in times were taking over an hour, with long queues of impatient holidaymakers. This reportedly resulted in the hotel manager attending to guests individually and offering discounts and free nights in order to prevent complaints being formally submitted.

How will tourists experience the shortage

Most visitors are unlikely to see major disruption, but staff shortages can affect service levels during the busiest periods.

Potential impacts include:

• Longer waiting times in restaurants and bars. 
• Delays during hotel check-in or housekeeping services. 
• Reduced opening hours at some hospitality businesses. 
• Greater pressure on existing staff during peak periods. 
• Increased use of temporary or less experienced workers. 

Businesses have increasingly tried turning to seasonal recruitment campaigns and international hiring to minimise disruption before the height of the summer season.

How will this affect residents and local communities

The impact extends beyond tourists.

For residents working in hospitality, labour shortages can mean increased workloads and overtime as businesses attempt to meet demand. At the same time, employers may be forced to offer improved conditions or incentives to attract staff.

Local communities in tourism-dependent areas also face wider challenges linked to housing availability. Rising demand for tourist accommodation has been blamed for reducing the supply of long-term rental housing in some destinations, making it more difficult for workers to live near their jobs.

Tourism remains a major part of Spain’s economy, supporting millions of jobs and contributing more than 13% of national economic activity. Maintaining sufficient staffing levels is therefore considered important not only for businesses but also for regional economies that depend heavily on visitor spending.

What residents and tourists need to know

Does this affect existing residents?

Yes. Residents currently working in or looking to work in hospitality this summer may experience heavier workloads during the high season. Residents in tourism hotspots may also be affected indirectly through housing pressures and increased competition for accommodation.

Will this affect all of Spain?

No. Most of the shortages tend to be concentrated in areas with the highest seasonal tourism demand. Coastal destinations, islands and major holiday resorts such as Malaga, Benidorm and Mallorca, generally experience greater recruitment difficulties than inland regions.

Is the problem expected to continue?

Many industry observers believe labour shortages will remain a challenge for the foreseeable future unless issues such as affordable housing, recruitment, salary and staff retention improve. As Spain continues attracting large numbers of visitors, demand for hospitality workers is expected to remain high in years to come.

Looking ahead to the peak summer season

The dispute over staffing levels highlights an ongoing challenge of Spain’s tourism sector. While visitor numbers continue to rise and tourism remains a major contributor to the economy, businesses are increasingly warning that recruitment and housing issues must be addressed if destinations are to sustain future growth.

For residents, workers and visitors alike, the coming summer will provide an indication of how effectively the sector can respond to rising demand. Although widespread disruption is not expected, labour availability is likely to remain one of the most closely watched issues across Spain’s tourism industry throughout the 2026 season.