Preparing for a Future in the Tourism Industry: Multitasking in Tourism Studies

The tourism industry considers the ability to multitask to be one of the most important skills for professionals in the field. While multitasking is generally reported to be stressful, juggling both work and study adds an additional layer of complexity. However, for Generation Z, working while studying appears to be a practical solution to their proverbial fear of missing out (FoMO), and a response to concerns highlighted in the 2025 Deloitte Report on Gen Z and Millennial Workforce. According to the report, 28% of Gen Zs are concerned that higher education offers limited practical experience, 24% question the relevance of curricula to the job market, and 22% object to the length of time required to complete a degree. This chapter presents preliminary data from an experimental study exploring the relationship between multitasking and stress, and the role of psychoeducation and short cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques in preventing stress due to multitasking and academic burnout among students enrolled in tourism studies. The results showed an increase in average heart rate (HR) during multitasking conditions with progressively higher cognitive load, compared to the non-multitasking condition. However, the difference in average values was not statistically significant enough to confirm a strong relationship between increased cognitive load and stress variability. On the other hand, the application of CBT techniques and psychoeducation showed a statistically significant effect—with a large effect size—in reducing stress while multitasking between three stimuli, indicating a positive impact of the intervention.