Implications of hospitality and tourism labour markets for talent management strategies

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider the managerial and developmental concept of talent management in the context of the specific characteristics of the weak labour market attributes of the hospitality and tourism sector in developed countries. Design/methodology/approach The paper explores these characteristics and analyses talent management scenarios within which businesses can operate, concluding that an inclusive and developmental approach, focusing on talent identification and acknowledgement, is probably the most effective within this sector. Findings This paper proposes a new interpretation of the concept of talent management in the context of hospitality and tourism that is both inclusive and developmental. Practical implications It will be of value to practitioners in helping them to evaluate their recruitment, retention and development practices. It will also be of value to researchers in providing the basis for further study and reflection in this area. Originality/value This is the first paper of its kind to apply the concept of talent management to the specific labour market conditions which pertain in hospitality and tourism.