New candidates searching for travel jobs leapt to a 17-month high in June, according to C&M Travel Recruitment – up 31% month-on-month and 38% year-on-year to the highest total since January 2025 and the second highest since November 2023.

Placements, meanwhile, increased by 56% month-on-month and by 9% compared with last June following the highest number of placements in a single month since November 2025.

There was also a strong uptick in new travel jobs becoming available during June, with vacancies increasing by 31% compared with May and by 11% compared with June 2025.

It all follows a strong rebound in travel spending in June after three consecutive year-on-year dips in March, April and May. The latest Barclays Consumer Spend Report also revealed how spending with agents went up by nearly 2% year-on-year in June.

C&M Co-Owner and Managing Director, Barbara Kolosinska, revealed how in June, new job vacancies, candidates and placements all rose both month-on-month and year-on-year for the first time since January 2023.

"After a run of inconsistency, last month was a truly positive one for travel recruitment," said Kolosinska. "July and August is a traditionally quieter period for the sector, but June’s figures provide great momentum as we head into the heart of the summer.

"The travel jobs market is now the busiest it's been for some time with many fantastic opportunities available for those looking to progress their career and those wanting to add great talent to their team."