Work

Tourism, job vulnerability and income inequality during the COVID-19 pandemic: A global perspective

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the vulnerability of tourism workers, but no detailed job loss figures are available that links tourism vulnerability with income inequality. This study evaluates how reduced international tourism consumption affects tourism employment and their income loss potential for 132 countries. This analysis shows that higher proportions of female (9.6%) and youth (10.1%) experienced unemployment whilst they were paid significantly less because they worked in tourism (−5%) and if they were women (−23%). Variations in policy support and pre-existing economic condition further created significant disparities on lost-income subsidies across countries. With the unequal financial burden across groups, income and regions, the collapse of international travel exacerbates short-term income inequality within and between countries.

Source: Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights

DOI: 10.1016/j.annale.2022.100046

Authors: Ya-Yen Sun, Mengyu Li, Manfred Lenzen, Arunima Malik, Francesco Pomponi

Institutions: The University of Queensland, The University of Sydney, Edinburgh Napier University

Language: English

Topic: Diverse Aspects of Tourism Research

Subfield: Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, No poverty, Gender equality, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,700