The impact of international cooperation on employment in the tourism sector

Abstract

International cooperation in tourism generates a wide range of political, economic, social, and cultural benefits for participating countries and increasingly serves as a driver of sustainable development. At the same time, the further expansion of international tourism cooperation requires the modernisation of Russia’s tourism industry, accompanied by improvements in workforce development and the professional training of personnel capable of delivering high-quality tourism services. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of international cooperation on labour demand in the tourism sector and identify approaches to addressing workforce shortages. The research draws on official statistical data, sample surveys, expert assessments, comparative analysis, and cluster analysis. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening labour-saving strategies through the wider use of flexible forms of employment, including platform-based and project-based work, as key instruments for regulating employment in the tourism sector under conditions of labour market shortages. The proposed approach also includes measures aimed at improving employee retention and expanding the use of labour-saving digital technologies, particularly in labour-intensive segments of the tourism industry, such as hospitality and food services.