Community Considerations
Neurodiversity Inclusion Practices in Global Hotel Chain Employment: A Comparative Analysis
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Rikki Abzug
This study examines the neurodiversity inclusion practices of the top 10 global hotel chains, offering a best practices analysis of their employment strategies and corporate initiatives. As the hospitality industry increasingly recognizes the value of neurodivergent talent, assessing current practice is crucial for advancing inclusive employment. Our research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of hotel job postings and corporate communications with qualitative assessment of public initiatives and partnerships. We developed a coding scheme based on evidence-based neurodiversity-friendly practices to evaluate job descriptions, accommodation mentions, sensory environment information, and neurodiversity program references. The study quantifies the prevalence of neurodiversity-inclusive language in job postings and corporate reports, while also conducting a thematic analysis of neurodiversity initiatives. Our comparative analysis identifies hospitality industry leaders and laggards in neurodiversity inclusion, considering regional variations and how local practices inform global strategies. Preliminary findings suggest variable practice of neurodiversity inclusion in employment practices. We also observe how successful local initiatives in specific properties or regions are (or, are not) being adapted and scaled to inform company-wide policies. Significant variations exist across companies and regions, indicating opportunities for improvement and knowledge transfer. This research contributes to the emerging field of neurodiversity studies in hospitality management and provides actionable insights for hotel chains seeking to enhance their neurodiversity inclusion practices globally by leveraging local successes. The findings have implications for human resource management, corporate social responsibility, and the overall guest experience in the global hospitality industry, demonstrating how localized best practices can drive worldwide organizational change.
Leisure Events as Platforms for Creating New Narratives: The Case of Kaya Kaya Festival, Curaçao
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Ilja Simons
This qualitative study explores how leisure events can facilitate the creation of new narratives, by analysing the case of Kaya Kaya festival in Otrobanda, Curaçao. Kaya Kaya has played an instrumental role in transforming the overarching narrative of the Otrobanda from an unsafe area to a vibrant artistic neighbourhood. Through interviews and participatory workshops with a wide range of stakeholders, the study provides a nuanced view on how the event served as a platform for narrative change, by engaging the local community and by altering physical spaces through the creation of murals and other art forms. It also examines the consequences of this narrative shift for the place, the community and individuals. The paper contributes to event studies by applying a narrative approach to understand the social value of leisure events and by demonstrating how events can drive the construction of new positive narratives of communities and neighbourhoods.
Tourism and Post Disaster Recovery : A Case Study of Fort Myers Beach
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Jacqueline Salmond
This study explores the experiences of post-disaster recovery in the tourism and leisure sectors through evaluating recovery efforts over the period of 30 months. In September 2022, Fort Myers beach was impacted by a category 4 hurricane which caused significant loss of life and devastation to the community. As a community tied to leisure and tourism, navigating post-disaster recovery involves multiple processes which intersect at various points. The need for speedy economic recovery alongside physical and emotional recovery presents a challenge. There exists a tension between community rebuilding and economic recovery when the livelihoods of residents are tied to presenting a relaxing and safe location. Similarly, the need to incorporate resiliency can lead to loss of community identity which has the potential to impact future tourism to the area. This research evaluates the approaches taken to recovery within the community and the steps taken to restart economic recovery. The conclusions from this study provide insights aimed at planning for infrastructural and economic resiliency within tourism and leisure communities.
