Job quality in the tourism industry

Abstract

In many countries and regions, tourism activity is viewed as a means of increasing income and employment for local people. Research confirms that tourism development boosts employment. However, studies have neglected the quality of jobs. Job quality is a concern for policy makers and is considered a determinant of individual well-being. The quality of jobs in tourism is generally perceived to be low. Most evidence with respect to tourism job quality disregards job quality in specific tourism activities, non-tourism activities, several tourism occupations, and non-tourism occupations. These aspects are analysed using employment data from the European Union and two large databases on job characteristics (ONET) and working conditions (European Working Conditions Survey). The results indicate that job quality is low in accommodation and food and beverage service activities, but not in travel agency and tour operator services. With regard to occupations, job quality is low in most tourism occupations.