Are you about to enroll in higher education or finish your studies? Are you looking for a career with a high demand for workers and that offers future prospects? Discover the 3 professional areas with the highest employability in tourism.

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in Portugal. Only in 2021 it contributed 16.8 billion euros to national GDP (a value that represents 8% of GDP), according to the National Statistics Institute.

The importance of tourist activity for the economy has become increasingly evident in recent years. Portugal is in fashion, as many say without hesitation. The climate, beaches, cultural, architectural and geological heritage, and the quality of services offered attract millions of tourists to the country every year.

And despite the sector's downturn in 2020, it has shown a rapid recovery in recent times, having already surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Forecasts point to rapid and continuous growth. To give you an idea of the numbers, here is the data revealed:

• According to a report by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in 2022, the tourism and travel sector is expected to contribute to the GDP growth of 54.7%, which translates into 35.8 million euros and, in percentage terms, 16.2% of national income.
• The predictions for the job point to a increase of 5.6%, that is, a total of 953 thousand jobs.
• To the tourist revenue in September this year they already exceeded the value of September 2019 by 14%, according to the Bank of Portugal. The amount reached was 2.4 million euros.
• Also according to the WTTC Economic Impact Report (EIR), the contribution to the GDP is expected to reach 39.5 billion in 2023, representing 17.4% of the national economy.
• Next year, the employment generated by the sector will reach the threshold of one million.

Working in Tourism

All this data serves as an incentive if you are looking for a job in one of the areas of Tourism and Hospitality, or are simply considering this sector. This is because its exponential growth, combined with the reduction in labor during the first phase of the pandemic, caused a shortage of workers.

There were 49 thousand jobs unfilled in the third quarter of this year, according to World Travel & Tourism Council. It is also predicted that one in 10 vacancies will remain in short supply in 2022.

For this reason, Tourism is one of the most employable sectors in the country. The sector has a lack of labor in essential areas such as service and cooking.

Discover the professional areas with the greatest employability in tourism and invest in an area that is continually expanding.

Which professional areas are most employable in tourism?

1. Hospitality

Hospitality is one of the most employable professional areas in tourism, with around 13% of vacancies to be filled, according to WTTC. Professions like Receptionist, Floor attendant, Hotel manager, Shift manager and Tourist Entertainment, are the most requested.

In other words, professions linked to customer service, work management, teams and activities. Knowledge of several languages, good presentation and communication skills, willingness to work shifts, and, in some cases, a degree in hotel management or other courses, are essential characteristics for these professions.

2. Food and drinks

The food and beverage sector is the second with the highest number of jobs. There are around 12% of vacancies to be filled. Restaurants, bars, cafes and other establishments especially need Waiters, Kitchen Assistants and Bartenders.

Once again, knowledge of several languages, care with presentation, and good interpersonal and communicative skills are valued.

3. Transport

There is a lack of Drivers to transport tourists. This is an activity for which only a driving license and mandatory education are required. However, courses and training are currently available to teach these professionals the itineraries and other necessary skills.

If you are unemployed, about to enter the job market, or looking for a new career, any of these professional areas with greater employability in tourism are a good starting point if you would like to work in the Tourism and Hospitality sector.

Find the right vacancy with the Employment Exchange

Do you like the areas of Tourism and Hospitality? Are you looking for an opportunity in a prestigious company, with an experienced team? And, above all, do you want to ensure that you get a response to your applications?

A Employment Exchange Platform publishes hundreds of vacancies every week in various areas of Tourism and Hospitality. Furthermore, it guarantees the quality seal of these companies and bets on a sector in continuous expansion, with a significant demand for labor.

Apply for available positions on our platform and watch your career soar!