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Employment Experience of Immigrant Workers in Tourism

Author

Listed:
  • Alja Žigo

    (University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, Slovenia)

  • Janja Gabruc

    (University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, Slovenia)

  • Emil Juvan

    (University of Primorska, Faculty of Tourism Studies – Turistica, Slovenia)

Abstract

This research explores the experience of immigrants employed in tourism in Slovenia. Four main areas were studied: (1) formal regulation of working and living, (2) health and social care, (3) job satisfaction, and (4) integration into the Slovenian environment. The causes for this research were recent stories in various media regarding foreign workers in Slovenian economy and little to no research studies in the field of tourism. The idea of the article was to demonstrate the employment of labour migrants’ experiences in tourism and to make proposals to improve the employment experience in the future. We started out by studying the existing theory, and then performed qualitative research, in which the employment experiences of four immigrants was studied in the previously mentioned four identified areas. Interviews were carried out with immigrants from different countries and of different professions, and were later evaluated with content analysis. The results of the study show that the employment experience of immigrants employed in tourism in Slovenia is both positive and negative, as there were positive and negative factors of experience identified in all areas of research.We do not want to give a generalised assessment of the experience, but rather show certain views and experiences; based on that, we can learn.The results do not apply to the entire population, but with them we present the diversity of the subject. The greatest limitation while researching was finding participants. Initially, proposals for improvement are given on three levels; government, employer, and society. The main improvement should be the better flow of information, for which we suggest transferring more information online. Slovene society should be striving for tolerance so that foreigners would feel more welcomed.

Suggested Citation

  • Alja Žigo & Janja Gabruc & Emil Juvan, 2017. "Employment Experience of Immigrant Workers in Tourism," Academica Turistica - Tourism and Innovation Journal, University of Primorska Press, vol. 10(2), pages 151-165.
    • Handle: RePEc:prp:jattij:v:10:y:2017:i:2:p:151-165
    DOI: 10.26493/2335-4194.10.151-165
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Janta, Hania & Ladkin, Adele & Brown, Lorraine & Lugosi, Peter, 2011. "Employment experiences of Polish migrant workers in the UK hospitality sector," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(5), pages 1006-1019.
    2. Joppe, Marion, 2012. "Migrant workers: Challenges and opportunities in addressing tourism labour shortages," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 33(3), pages 662-671.
    3. Baum, Tom, 2015. "Human resources in tourism: Still waiting for change? – A 2015 reprise," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 204-212.
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