Is tourism development associated with employment of low quality?

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyze whether higher tourism development in a region is associated with lower-quality employment in that region. Design/methodology/approach The analysis is based on the last two editions of the European Working Conditions Survey and on the tourism development of European regions. Two samples were studied (2015 and 2021). Findings Tourism development does not affect the quality of employment in regions. The institutional regime of the country to which the region belongs is associated with the job quality (JQ) in the region. Research limitations/implications Only subjective indicators of employment quality are considered in the analysis. Practical implications The quality of employment is related to the institutional regime. Policymakers should consider the institutional factors of social democratic countries to improve the low quality of tourism occupations. Originality/value Research on the quality of employment in tourism has mostly focused on tourism occupations without considering determinants other than industry characteristics. This research is unique because it includes both the institutional view of JQ and the overall regional employment.