Postgraduate Researchers

PhD Research Student - School of Tourism and Hospitality Management

Title: Exploring Working Hours and Earnings Disparities in the Tourism Sector in Europe 

Project Abstract

As firms in the tourism and hospitality sector continue to face challenges in attracting and retaining staff, the issue of job quality in the industry has once again become a central concern. This project explores three key dimensions of job quality in the sector. First, it investigates whether increased demand for tourism is associated with a reduction in working hours within the hospitality sector. Second, it examines the extent to which hospitality workers in Europe experience a wage penalty compared to workers in other sectors. This part of the study will also explore the underlying causes of the wage penalty, its evolution over time, and cross-country differences across European economies. Finally, the project analyzes whether employment in hospitality serves primarily as a stepping-stone to other sectors or as a long-term career path. It will assess transitions from hospitality to other sectors or out of employment altogether, while identifying variations in these patterns across countries. 

Supervisors:  Dr. Rory O'Farrell, Dr. Ralf Burbach 

Funding: TU Dublin School of Tourism and Hospitality Management