Seasonality in tourism employment: human resource challenges

Abstract

Seasonality in tourism has a profound impact on the management of human resources in organizations operating in a seasonal context. Tourism employment in Canada is profiled and its seasonality examined in Atlantic Canada, where seasonal tourism employment is common. A model for managing seasonality in employment is proposed as a continuum, ranging from “embracing” to “challenging” seasonality. For each approach, differing human resource management practices are identified and operational impacts are discussed, providing possible strategies for employers operating in seasonal tourism contexts. Ongoing research is planned in Atlantic Canada’s accommodations sector, testing the model for managing seasonal tourism employment.

Citation

Jolliffe, L. and Farnsworth, R. (2003), "Seasonality in tourism employment: human resource challenges", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 15 No. 6, pp. 312-316. https://doi.org/10.1108/09596110310488140