Updated for 2026: Wages and living costs have moved on. See our 2026 update on the National Living Wage for the latest figures and poll results.
By Fi Morrison-Arnthal, Founder and Managing Director of Ambitions Travel Recruitment, placing leisure travel professionals across the UK, South Africa, and North America. (First published April 2025, refreshed March 2026)
From 1 April 2025, the UK’s National Living Wage will rise to £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over—equating to an annual salary of £25,396.80 (based on a 40-hour workweek).
But with soaring living costs—especially in rent, mortgages, groceries, energy, and transport—is this increase enough for workers, particularly those in the leisure travel industry?
At Ambitions Travel Recruitment, we conducted a poll to find out what people really think.
What did our poll reveal?
We asked: “Is £12.21 an hour enough in today’s world?” The results were eye-opening:
✅ 69% said NO – It’s not enough to cover basic living costs.
✅ 24% said it depends – Some areas may be manageable, but many aren’t.
✅ 4% said it’s fair – A small minority believe it’s sufficient.
✅ 3% were unsure – Highlighting the uncertainty around regional and personal financial pressures.
What this means for the UK workforce & leisure travel industry
The message is clear—most people don’t believe £12.21 an hour is enough, especially in high-cost areas. This is particularly concerning for travel and tourism professionals, where wages often lag behind other sectors.
So, what can employers do to ensure fair pay, job satisfaction, and talent retention?
How Travel Employers Can Respond
With the cost-of-living crisis impacting employees, businesses—especially in travel recruitment—must rethink their compensation and benefits strategies.
🔹 Offer competitive salaries – Companies that pay above the minimum wage will attract and retain top talent.
🔹 Provide flexible work options – Hybrid or remote roles can reduce commuting costs—a major factor for job seekers.
🔹 Support career progression – Investing in training and upskilling helps employees advance into higher-paying roles. (If you don’t have a career development programme—get one!)
🔹 Enhance employee benefits – Travel discounts, accommodation allowances, and transport subsidies can ease financial strain. (Negotiate supplier deals and pass them on to your team!)
Free resource download: An employer’s guide to benefits & Perks | A travel employer’s guide to retention
Advice for Travel Job Seekers
If you’re looking for a better-paid role in the leisure travel industry, here’s what you can do:
✔ Upskill and specialise – Qualifications in travel management, aviation, or digital marketing can boost earning potential. (Our sister business, Ambitions Travel Training, offers FREE soft skills courses to help you excel!)
✔ Negotiate your salary – Research industry benchmarks and be prepared to ask for fair pay. (At Ambitions Travel Recruitment, we advocate for competitive salaries and negotiate on your behalf!)
✔ Seek employers with strong benefits – A great benefits package (like travel perks) can be just as valuable as a higher salary.
Final Thoughts
While the increase to £12.21 per hour is a step forward, it’s still not enough for many in the travel sector.
At Ambitions Travel Recruitment, we specialise in connecting talented professionals with higher-paying travel jobs that match their skills and experience.
Looking for a new role in travel? Register with us today to access exclusive opportunities.
FAQ’s
From 1 April 2025, the UK’s National Living Wage rose to £12.21 per hour for workers aged 21 and over, equating to an annual salary of £25,396.80 based on a 40-hour working week.
According to a poll run by Ambitions Travel Recruitment, 69% of respondents said no, £12.21 an hour isn’t enough to cover basic living costs, with a further 24% saying it depends on location.
Travel and tourism wages often lag behind other sectors, so a rising cost of living hits these roles especially hard when pay doesn’t keep pace.
Employers can offer competitive salaries above minimum wage, provide flexible or hybrid work to reduce commuting costs, invest in career progression, and enhance benefits like travel discounts or transport subsidies.
Job seekers can upskill and specialise to boost earning potential, research industry benchmarks before negotiating salary, and prioritise employers offering strong benefits packages alongside pay.
This article reflects the 2025 National Living Wage increase to £12.21 an hour. For the latest figures, see our 2026 update on the National Living Wage, which covers the rise to £12.71 an hour and how it’s affecting leisure travel workers.
Ambitions Travel Recruitment specialises in connecting leisure travel professionals with roles matched to their skills and experience — register with us to access exclusive opportunities.
