Tourism and Hospitality Work Interest and Motivation Among Potential Employees

Abstract

This study examined tourism and hospitality industry employment interest and work motivators among a sample of 594 Australian school leavers (students who leave school before graduation for any reason). Most expressed an interest in tourism and hospitality employment, and the major motivators to do so were job interest and a sense of achievement. Pressure was the major disincentive regarding work in the tourism and hospitality industry. Those less likely to be interested in tourism and hospitality industry work were younger, male, those with fewer friends in the industry, and those who had less tourism and hosptiality industry work experience. The implications of these findings for school leavers, career counselors, and the tourism and hosptiality industry are explored.