Work

The tour guide profession: An attractive option for UAE nationals majoring in tourism?

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The UAE is targeting the tourism sector as part of its drive to diversify away from an overdependence on oil and is seeking to attract more nationals to the tour guide profession. The purpose of this research is to assess what factors influence the likelihood of Emirati tourism students considering this vocation. A model that incorporates Career Decision-Making Profile and Arabian Gulf Social Contract dimensions was developed. Survey results ( n = 186) show that the nature of the job is considered attractive and, traits like ‘willingness to compromise’ and ‘independent decision making’, increased the likelihood of choosing the profession. Yet, “classic public sector” job preferences and perceptions on societal sentiment toward the ‘appropriacy’ of nonconventional vocations acted as deterrents. Recommendations are to make higher education internship programs more tailored to the individual student and modify the remit of the tour guide role at government-owned sites and venues.

Source: Tourism and Hospitality Research

DOI: 10.1177/14673584241278451

Author: Emilie J Rutledge

Institution: The Open University

Language: English

Topic: Hospitality and Tourism Education

Subfield: Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,200