The number of new candidates searching for travel jobs increased by 8% year-on-year in December according to C&M Travel Recruitment, the highest December total since 2017.

However, this total was 19% lower than the figure for November. December also saw a 14% month-on-month drop in new job vacancies, and an 11% drop when compared with December 2024.

In addition, the number of candidates being placed in new travel jobs in December fell by almost a third (32%) month-on-month, and by nearly a quarter (23%) versus December 2024.

Barbara Kolosinska, co-owner and managing director of C&M Travel Recruitment, said there were positives to take away from the latest data, especially considering December is typically the quietest month of the year for travel recruitment.

"There were some encouraging figures as we head into the new year," she said. "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."