Diversity and Inclusion in Tourism and Hospitality Industry

Introduction Diversity is a fundamental concept that incorporates the diverse range of human experiences and perspectives. A diverse workforce is one that is made up of people from different races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and other dimensions of diversity. This article explores the significance of diversity, dives into the historical backdrop of tokenism, and highlights why a mere token approach falls short of establishing a genuinely diverse workforce. In the tourism and hospitality industry, success is largely dependent upon employee-customer interactions. Tourists come from all walks of life, and an ability to connect with people of different ages, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, socioeconomic statuses, and belief systems is key in making out-of-towners feel welcome. Catering to a global clientele demands a workforce that mirrors the spectrum of visitors' identities and preferences. A diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives, enri...

Introduction Diversity is the variety of different characteristics that people have, such as their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, and socioeconomic status. Diversity has become a crucial topic in today's business setting, particularly within the context of the tourism and hospitality industry. Diversity in C-Suite is a widely recognized issue, yet it remains largely untapped at the board level. Despite numerous companies implementing policies to boost diversity in leadership, their impact often does not reach the C-suite. The tourism and hospitality sector can benefit from a diverse leadership team that effectively understands and connects with diverse customer bases. This article emphasizes the need for targeted Human Resources (HR) strategies to drive diversity at the highest levels of management.                                 ...

Introduction In recent years, the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace has gained significant recognition across various industries. The tourism and hospitality industry is increasingly recognizing the significance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, particularly in fostering an inclusive environment. However, unconscious bias is often overlooked as a significant obstacle to progress towards inclusion. According to Imperial College London (2020), unconscious bias refers to associations we hold outside our conscious control, affecting everyone. It is triggered by our brain making quick judgments and assessments, influenced by background, personal experiences, societal stereotypes, and cultural context. It can affect attitudes and behaviours, especially towards others, and can lead to inequality in workplace decisions such as selection, recruitment, appraisals, and promotion. It is not limited to gender, ethnicity, or visible diversity characteristics. U...