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0:00
Hello, everyone. I'm Dr.
Babis Giousmpasoglou
from Bournemouth University
Business School.
With over 20 years of experience
managing luxury hotels
and restaurants,
I bring not only
industry knowledge,
but also a deep passion
for the hospitality
sector and its people.
Today, we will delve into
the working conditions
that define this
dynamic industry
and address the
critical need for
a global transformation
towards a sustainable,
fair and decent work agenda.
Together, we will explore
how this shift can shape
a brighter, more
equitable future
for all those who
contribute to the success
of hospitality and tourism.
Let's get started.
0:44
According to the World
Travel & Tourism Council,
the hospitality and tourism
industry contributed
an unprecedented $11.1
trillion in 2024,
representing over
9% of global GDP.
Hospitality and tourism
supports one in ten jobs,
providing livelihoods for
millions more around the world.
It is also the third-largest
export category globally,
following fuels and chemicals.
Countries with robust travel
and tourism sectors tend to
exhibit greater
economic resilience
and higher overall
economic activity.
Additionally, nations
where tourism plays
a significant role in GDP
often recover more swiftly
from the impacts of a pandemic.
1:35
Despite being a cornerstone
of the global economy,
the hospitality industry
has long faced criticism
regarding its labour practices.
Challenges such as low
wages, insecure contracts,
limited opportunities
for a career advancement
and poor working
conditions have created
an environment ripe for
worker exploitation.
The COVID-19 pandemic further
exacerbated these issues
by introducing
additional instability
and intensifying the
ongoing staffing crisis,
making the need for reform
more urgent than ever.
