Tourism businesses’ workers: motivations and expectations of future employees

Abstract

This research had three objectives: to know professional expectations of first-year students on the Bachelor’s degree in tourism, their main reasons for choosing the studies and what kind of jon they were interested in. Data was collected in a class assignment on the course of organizational behavior. Results suggest that students show few differences in either expectations or motivations. The vast majority of students consider hotel and travel agencies as their main outlet jobs after their studies. In addition, most of them chose their studies to speak foreign languages, travel and meet other people and cultures. When looking for a job, their motivations mainly include self-fulfilment, but also money and recognition. The implications of the study for tourism firms are discussed and future lines of research are highlighted.

Keywords

• case study method
• tourism major motivations
• tourism job expectations
• professional motivations
• bachelors' degree in tourism