The employment figures for tourism in Gran Canaria are dismal. At first glance, the figures for the tourism sector in Gran Canaria seem like a glimmer of hope: 73.525 registered with Social Security, a 2,67% increase compared to 2024. But if you dig deeper, the reality is different.
The number of unemployed hasn't evaporated; there are still 12.153 people looking for work. That's 5,95% less than last year, yes, but we're still talking about 10.387 souls waiting for a decent contract. And the contracts... well, 4,74 signed, just XNUMX% more than a year ago. For many, that means days are numbered, temporary contracts, and salaries that don't even cover half of the salary they work on.
In Maspalomas, the epicenter of tourism in Gran Canaria, the situation is especially noticeable in food and beverages: 26.890 members, but 5.918 unemployed, and only 3.183 contracts.
That is, for every new contract signed, there are almost two people still unemployed. The same thing happens in the lodging industry, where the scenery seems perfect for tourists, but behind the hotels there are 2.655 unemployed people and only 4.040 contracts. The hospitality industry promises sun, sand, and mojitos, but real employment is colder than the water in the southern pool.
Other sectors don't look any better. Sports and recreational activities show 865 unemployed people and 986 signed contracts; it seems balanced, but the contracts are temporary, casual, and often poorly paid. Even cultural activities report 306 unemployed people and 1.111 contracts: museums, libraries, and shows are operating, yes, but with staff living on the brink of precariousness.
If we look at the Canary Islands, the pattern is repeated: 229.860 registered workers, but 30.965 unemployed. More than 31.891 people waiting for an opportunity in an archipelago that markets itself to the world as a tourist paradise. Total contracts barely increased, at 31.571 compared to XNUMX last year. Nothing to make anyone declare victory.
In short, Maspalomas and Gran Canaria present a mixed bag: tourists everywhere, full hotels, and overflowing beaches, but behind them, short-term contracts, persistent unemployment, and precarious employment. While visitors enjoy the sun and palm trees, tourism workers continue counting the days until they have to sign again, hoping they'll get their contract on time.
