Business · Economy · 1 day ago
Absenteeism rises to 7.7% of working hours in Spain’s tourism sector
Spain’s tourism businesses lost 7.7% of working hours to absenteeism in the third quarter of 2026, up from 6.6% in June.
The rate measures scheduled work hours that were not worked.
The increase affected businesses across the sector, including travel agencies, leisure services and hotels.
Travel agencies had the highest rate among the listed subsectors, at 9.4%.
Across Spain’s regions, the rate was highest in the Canary Islands, at 11.9%, and lowest in Murcia, at 3.8%.
Absenteeism’s total cost was estimated at 3.8% of tourism companies’ revenue, adding to rising energy, supply and labour costs.
The industry group Exceltur says persistent absences make it harder to organise work and cover shifts amid labour shortages.
It has made tackling absenteeism one of 10 priorities for Spain’s government in the next term, while the sector prepares for the final quarter of 2026.
Absenteeism accounted for 7.7% of working hours across Spain’s tourism sector in the third quarter of 2026, up from 6.6% in June.
The rate represented a cost equal to 3.8% of tourism companies’ revenue, according to an Exceltur report.
Travel agencies and distribution had the highest reported subsector rate, at 9.4%, while the Canary Islands had the highest regional rate, at 11.9%.
The tourism employers’ group described absenteeism as a major burden on costs and workplace climate that harms productivity.
The report warned that persistent absenteeism could complicate staffing and shift coverage in the final three months of 2026.
- Who
- Spain’s tourism companies and workers.
- What
- Absenteeism accounted for 7.7% of working hours and cost companies 3.8% of revenue.
- When
- The third quarter of 2026; the rate was 6.6% in June.
- Where
- Across Spain’s tourism sector, with regional rates varying.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
one of the main scourges for costs and workplace climate in Spanish tourism companies, affecting their ability to continue improving productivity
chronic absenteeism
The tourism sector’s absenteeism rate stood at 6.6% of working hours.
The rate rose to 7.7% across the sector.
Exceltur warned that solid demand would contend with persistent absenteeism and other challenges.
- Tourism-sector absenteeism
- 7.7% of working hours in the third quarter of 2026
- Change since June
- Up from 6.6%
- Cost to companies
- 3.8% of revenue
- Highest subsector rate
- Travel agencies and distribution: 9.4%
- Highest regional rate
- Canary Islands: 11.9%
Sources
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