Exploring the potential of tourism employment in the light of the well-being of retired workers

Lessons learned from the Danube Museum of Esztergom and the Castle of Pécsvárad

Abstract

THE AIMS OF THE PAPER

Our research attempts to reflect on the demographic trend associated with the drastically changing age composition of the society, using the theoretical framework of well-being research while interpreting phenomena found in the practical field of seniors’ tourism employment in Hungary. Based on the lessons learnt in the Danube Museum in Esztergom and in the Castle of Pécsvárad, the goal of our research is to explore the impacts of involving elderly as employees, into the supply side of tourism, on their subjective well-being.

METHODOLOGY

Preliminary results of our three-year long research project are based on in-depth interviews with thirteen senior employees working in various positions related to tourism. Based on the thematic analysis of the transcripts significant differences can be identified among the senior workers across the four key emerging themes, which also makes the grouping of employees possible in terms of the scope of their activities, their contact with the visitors and the type of their daily tasks.

MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS

Our results show that the capabilities, skills and experience of seniors involved in tourism services, make them well-suited for tasks of heritage presentation, and that employment in these positions is related to the well-being of these older workers.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The phenomenon of aging societies is a global trend nowadays, that requires highly proactive solutions. Although statistics undoubtedly and accurately predict the tendencies, political and economic decision-makers and the society itself are still lacking detailed and well-designed action plans in this regard. However, there is an unprecedented need to take into consideration the well-being of older people and focus our attention on incentives that are aiming to raise it. The results of our research project highlight the potential of domestic tourism industry for employing retired seniors in a way that contributes both to the well-being of the employees and represents value for the visitors.

Acknowledgements: The study has been supported by the European Union, co-financed by the European Social Fund within the framework of the EFOP-3.6.2-16-2017-00017 – „Sustainable, intelligent and inclusive regional and city models” project.