The perception and attitude towards cultural differences and the effects they have on hospitality and tourism industry

Abstract

The decision of an organization to be active in the field of hospitality and tourism should include correct perceptions and attitudes that are related to the diversity of people both individually and through the examination of the social culture in which they live. The consequences of a positive social change include the ability to identify benefits for both the organization and its employees (Nwankpa, Ijomah, Gachagan, & Marshall, 2018). The understanding and respecting of cultural differences have significant effects in achieving the goals of an organization that is operating in the hospitality and tourism industry. As tourism is the main source of intercultural contacts, any cultural differences can effect on staff dealing with current and future challenges of tourism in the country (Miličević, Mihalič, & Sever, 2017). The purpose of this article is to present the design and methodology that has been used to examine this topic, and describe the findings and implications of the results in order to support the organizations and their staff employed in the hospitality and tourism industry, and therefore, regarding the perceptions and attitudes towards cultural differences and the effects they have on tourists as human beings. The article presents a real empirical study of research related to the local industry in the Republic of Cyprus