Multidimensional Integration in the Tourism Industry: A Quantitative Analysis of the Integrative Power of the German Tourism Industry

Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Carina Müller  

This study investigates the multifaceted role of the tourism industry in facilitating the labor market integration of diverse groups in Germany. The study uses a broader definition of integration, covering not only the integration of people from abroad, but also the integration of people at home, taking into account low-skilled young people and young adults as well as older people and pensioners. The tourism industry, including related industries, is the second largest private sector and therefore one of the central economic sectors in Germany. The research identifies opportunities and pathways, demonstrating both practical benefits and theoretical insights linked to tourism’s low entry barriers. Situated at the intersection of migration studies, labor economics, and hospitality management, the work contributes to a multidimensional understanding of integration. A quantitative online survey of 742 hospitality executives across various tourism sectors was conducted to assess the importance, practices, experiences, and challenges of integration within different groups of persons. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using statistical techniques, allowing for comprehensive comparisons across different industry segments. The findings highlight tourism’s significant economic role in promoting integration while revealing substantial variations between sectors and the different group of persons. Despite limitations such as reliance on self‐reported data and a cross‐sectional design, the results can serve as a blueprint for international integration challenges. The study reveals considerable unused domestic potential for labor market integration among low-skilled workers and older people. Overall, the study underscores the necessity of supporting policy recommendations that address sector-specific differences and requirements.