Meaningful Work as part of Sustainable Tourism work

Authors

• Mari Angeria Lapin yliopisto, Matkailualan tutkimus- ja koulutusinstituutti (MTI)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33351/mt.127367

Keywords:

meaningful work, tourism work, sustainable work, social responsibility

Abstract

This paper discusses the significance of meaningful work, particularly in the tourism industry. There is a lack of consensus on defining meaningful work and its pursuit. This paper aims to connect meaningful work with sustainable, decent tourism work.  As an industry vulnerable to changes, tourism has been influenced by recent global changes in consumer behaviour, digitalisation, and general economic restructuring.  The pandemic hit the industry severely and exacerbated issues like a shortage of skilled human capital and challenges in tourism work. This study notes that, amid these changes, social responsibility in tourism work has taken a backseat, and meaningful work in this industry remains relatively understudied. The overarching purpose of the research is to provide an overview of existing discussions on meaningful work in tourism research and give examples of current development projects. By synthesising existing literature, the study aims to offer insights into areas of prior scholarship, identify aspects of meaningful work that may have been overlooked, and contribute to a better understanding of this phenomenon in the context of tourism work.