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Employment in Portugal’s Tourism Sector: Structural Transformation and Working Conditions from 2012 to 2022

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  • Maria do Rosário Mira

    (CiTUR—Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, GOVCOPP-UA, Department of Tourism and Gastronomy, Coimbra Education School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal)

  • Vânia Costa

    (UNIAG—Applied Management Research Unit, CiTUR—Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, GOVCOPP-UA, Department of Tourism and Marketing, School and Tourism and Hospitality, Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal)

  • Raquel Pereira

    (UNIAG—Applied Management Research Unit, CiTUR—Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, Department of Tourism and Marketing, School and Tourism and Hospitality, Polytechnic University of Cávado and Ave, 4750-810 Barcelos, Portugal)

  • Andreia Antunes Moura

    (CiTUR—Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, GOVCOPP-UA, CIDEHUS-UE, Department of Tourism and Gastronomy, Coimbra Education School, Polytechnic University of Coimbra, 3045-093 Coimbra, Portugal)

Abstract

This study analyses employment in the tourism sector and seeks to identify trends in the evolution of worker profiles and transformation of the structure and working conditions in Portugal’s tourism sector from 2012 to 2022. It aims to understand how profiles, qualifications, and working conditions relate to the spatial distribution among Portuguese tourist regions and the typology and scale of tourism businesses, contributing valuable insights to defining sector strategies. It applies a quantitative approach based on statistical data from the Portuguese Ministry of Labour, Solidarity, and Social Security, disaggregated by the three segments of economic activity in the tourism sector: accommodation and food services, recreational and cultural activities, and transport and logistics. Descriptive statistics, MANOVA, and ANOVA tests analyse differences based on establishment size, tourist regions, and activity segments. The results show significant employment growth, regional variations, high turnover, and an increase in fixed-term contracts. Weak but significant correlations link education, nationality, gender, and working hours, indicating potential inequalities. The study highlights gender and educational differences among workers, as well as disparities related to employment status and nationality.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria do Rosário Mira & Vânia Costa & Raquel Pereira & Andreia Antunes Moura, 2025. "Employment in Portugal’s Tourism Sector: Structural Transformation and Working Conditions from 2012 to 2022," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-21, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8839-:d:1763831
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eleonora Santos, 2023. "From Neglect to Progress: Assessing Social Sustainability and Decent Work in the Tourism Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-25, June.
    2. Josefa García Mestanza & Alfonso Cerezo Medina & Marco Antonio Cruz Morato, 2019. "A Model for Measuring Fair Labour Justice in Hotels: Design for the Spanish Case," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(17), pages 1-20, August.
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