Average travel salaries fell by 7.36% in May to £25,171, according to the latest figures from C&M Recruitment.
The firm said the drop was mainly caused by a reduction in higher-paid executive roles, which can be "notably more volatile than other travel positions".
Over a three-month average, salaries have fallen 2.64% and 0.4% year on year.
But it wasn’t all bad news for the industry. According to C&M, May recorded the highest number of vacancies since September 2012 and the highest number of candidates since March 2012.
"It’s great to see such a large rise in the number of candidates registering for travel vacancies in May, and it’s even more encouraging to see so many travel companies looking to recruit more staff," said Barbara Kolosinska, sales director at C&M Recruitment Consultancy.
"The second half of the year is typically busier for the travel recruitment industry, so it’s a fantastic sign to see so much activity in the early summer."
Commenting on the drop in average salaries, she added: "There’s no denying that May’s figures are disappointing when compared to the past few months, but it’s worth remembering that April’s figure was at a near-record high.
"So far, average travel salaries in 2013 have been incredibly encouraging and there is no reason to think that the second half of the year should be any less impressive than the first."
The Travel Salary Index from C&M Recruitment Consultancy and Chisholm & Moore Executive Recruitment, is based on all new vacancies registered at the companies.
