According to the statement released by AHRESP – the Portuguese Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Similar Establishments – the new contracts foresee, among other changes, the updating of the salary scales for all professional categories, effective from January 1, 2026. “This is a transversal salary increase, higher than the 4.6% defined in the Social Dialogue for next year, and is therefore a decisive commitment to strengthening the average salary,” it states.

On Monday, the Portuguese Hotel Association (AHP) also announced that it had reached an agreement with SITESE for the comprehensive revision of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which provides for an increase of more than 5% for the year 2026.

The understanding now reached with AHRESP is the result of a negotiation process described as "responsible and balanced," aiming to improve working conditions and enhance careers, while simultaneously ensuring the economic sustainability of companies.

The negotiations took place in a context marked "by increased operating costs and labour shortages," it emphasizes. For AHRESP, this agreement reinforces its commitment to valuing professionals in restaurants and tourist accommodation, "promoting more stable labour relations adjusted to the current reality of the sectors."

The association adds that it will soon release more detailed information about the content of the agreed changes, noting that this understanding with SITESE “reflects a stance of constructive, transparent and responsible dialogue, essential to strengthening the attractiveness, competitiveness and solidity of these strategic sectors for the national economy”.