ABSTRACT
In the economic growth of many regions worldwide, tourism plays a significant role; however, seasonality tends to be the leading factor in employment in the tourism industry. Migration towards seasonal destinations happens internally and externally and enables seasonal employees to move and travel around to work in the destinations in high demand. Many tourism destinations are characterised by high seasonality and small capacity of local employees to ensure demand in high season, leading to a large share of seasonal and mostly foreign employment in the industry. The aim of this research is, by reviewing related literature, to explore the relationships between the stereotypical and prejudicial attitudes of local people towards seasonal tourism workers. The findings of the study show that the literature on contemporary immigrant-host relations has been largely explored in the last decades. Literature suggests that due to the work conditions seasonal employees accept (low paid and casual work, no social insurance, etc.), they have been suspected of prejudice and stereotypes, where local people relegate those employees in the category of “others”, seeing them as a threat rather than a benefit. Circumstances in the job market, stereotyping and prejudice rendered migrant employees more vulnerable than local ones, especially where migrant workers have little to no experience or training. There is an increased risk of exploitation. This study provides theoretical insights and valuable, practical implications for managing stereotypes and prejudice of local people towards seasonal tourism workers.
