The Challenges of Tourism Sector Employees in Türkiye: Aegean Region Example

Abstract

The aim of this study is to reveal the challenges experienced by employees in the tourism sector in Türkiye and to privede suggestions for the remediation of issus.The method of the research is a qualitative research method. Research sample includes 21 tourism employees in the Aegean Region, which is one of the important regions of the tourism sector for Türkiye. A semi-structured interview form has been used for the research. The form contains 6 open-ended questions and 5 demographic variables. Content analysis has been used in the research. According to the results, the most important challenges of employees have become evident as low wage level, long working hours, lack of social-cultural activities, lack of motivation, and insufficient accommodation opportunities in Türkiye. An important point that draws attention here is that the challenges expressed by employees indicate the dimensions of job satisfaction. At this point, it can be said that tourismsector employees have no/insufficient job satisfaction. In this respect, it may be recommended to measure the job satisfaction of tourism sector employees in future research. In order to eliminate or alleviate these challenges, wage policies can be reconsidered and wage increases can be achieved, wage policies specific to the tourism sector can be developed. Regarding the regulation of long working hours, the 4-day working week model is currently implemented in various countries of the world (such as England and Germany). Pilot applications can be made for tourism workers. In addition, social-cultural activities can be organized for employees at regular intervals. Lodgings and houses close to workplaces can be provided by employers to improve accommodation opportunities for their employees. Thus, improving the problems of employees in the tourism sector, which is an important source of income for Türkiye, will increase both the quality of life and job satisfaction of employees.