A pent-up urge to travel is driving tourist numbers in southern Europe back to pre-pandemic highs. But understaffed resorts and gridlocked airports are frustrating the desire of many holidaymakers for a stress-free break in the sun.

Acute high-season labour shortages caused by an exodus of workers during a virtual shutdown of the industry in 2020, and only a partial recovery last year, are forcing tourism operators in Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal to offer better pay and conditions, raise prices and cut services.

“The era of fast, frequent and cheap holidays is over,” said Cristina Siza Vieira, executive vice-president of the Portuguese Hoteliers Association, adding that workers “are often finding they can earn more in jobs that leave their evenings and weekends free.” Hotel owners on Portugal’s Algarve coast said a lack of staff has forced them to turn down wedding and baptism parties, suspend beach shuttles and spa massages for guests and cut bar and restaurant opening hours.