Promoting Inclusion in Tourism and Hospitality: Key Takeaways from the 32nd Nordic Symposium
September 2024
Hospitality and tourism researchers gathered in Stavanger, Norway this past September for the 32nd Nordic Symposium on Tourism and Hospitality Research, a three-day conference exploring the latest advancements in tourism and hospitality research. This symposium, organized by the Nordic Society for Tourism and Hospitality Research (NORTHORS), fosters academic debate and knowledge sharing within the Nordic region and beyond.
GHRA member Professor Tom Baum chaired a two-day track on "Tourism workforce and employment," featuring diverse presentations from GHRA members and colleagues. This track examined critical workforce issues such as employee engagement through CSR initiatives (Lub et al.), the effects of customer abuse on employee well-being (Nickson et al.), and current international tourism workforce policies (Robinson and Baum). A highlight of this track was the special session "Work Inclusiveness in Tourism and Hospitality (WITH)," chaired by GHRA members Tone Therese Linge, Tara Duncan, and Olga Gjerald. This session emphasized the urgent need for inclusive workplaces in the tourism and hospitality sector, where all employees feel valued and respected.
The WITH Special Session explored critical topics with presentations on:
- Occupational socialization of chefs
- Essential skills for future hospitality leaders
- Critical issues in hospitality work
- Sexual harassment in the workplace
- Power dynamics, inclusivity, and intersectional perspectives
The strong presence of GHRA members at the symposium showcased the alliance’s dedication to advancing knowledge and best practices in tourism and hospitality. The WITH session, in particular, served as a powerful reminder that building truly inclusive workplaces requires ongoing dedication and action. We encourage everyone to explore the resources and insights from the conference and actively promote inclusivity within their own organizations. The 32nd Nordic Symposium, especially the tourism workforce track and the WITH special session, significantly advanced the understanding and practice of inclusivity in the tourism and hospitality workforce. The next symposium will be held in Bornholm, Denmark in September 2025.