April’s total was down by 41% from March – making it the lowest figure since December 2021 – and compared to previous years, last month’s number was down by 64% from April 2022 and 47% below April 2019.
 
After reaching a five-year high in March, the number of new candidates also dipped in April, with last month’s total down 38% on the previous month, but up 10% from April 2022.
 
Meanwhile, new vacancies fell to their lowest level since December, with April’s total down 49% from March and by 61% from last April.
 
Barbara Kolosinska, managing director of C&M Travel Recruitment, said: "April was the slowest month for travel recruitment that we have seen for some time.

"Much of this downturn can be attributed to Easter, which appeared to have a larger impact on activity than usual, with many decision makers taking time off during the month."

After a "historic year" for travel recruitment, Kolosinska added, 2023 has had a "much more mixed" start, with placements and vacancies both increasing in two of the first four months of the year and falling in the other two.

"With quality candidates still being in short supply, it is vitally important that we do all we can to entice talent to work in the industry by making our new job opportunities as exciting, well-paid and attractive as possible," she added.