Candidates looking for a new travel job in 2026 have been starting their search earlier than in previous years, according to C&M Recruitment.
The company said the number of new candidates beginning their search for a job in the travel industry rose by 8% in December compared to the same month in 2024. It was the highest total for the month of December since 2017.
December, which is traditionally the quietest month of the year for the travel recruitment sector, saw a 14% monthly fall in new job vacancies, while the figure was down 11% on December 2024.
There was a 32% monthly fall in the number of candidates being placed in new travel jobs in December, with the total also being down by 23% from the last month in 2024.
Co-owner and Managing Director Barbara Kolosinska said: “December is always the quietest month of the year for travel recruitment and 2025 was no exception. However, there were also some encouraging figures as we head into the new year.
“Most notable was the year-on-year increase in new candidates. Last month recorded the highest December total in eight years, with many jobseekers eager to progress their career over the holidays.
“Early signs indicate that January will almost certainly be a much busier month, and all eyes will now be on whether the sector can build on this momentum throughout the early months of 2026.”
She added: “It appears that some candidates have been trying to get ahead of the competition this year and started their job search early over the festive holidays. January is typically one of the busiest months of the year for the travel jobs sector, so beating the rush is very shrewd.”
“We have been putting it out there on social media both for clients and candidates that if they’re looking for staff or looking for a job, they should start before Christmas, putting them in better stead for January.”
