Profissionais invisíveis em destinos visíveis

trabalho e permanência na hotelaria da Região Metropolitana do Recife

Abstract

This article analyzes working conditions in the hotel sector of the Recife Metropolitan Region (RMR), examining perceptions of workers and managers regarding employment relationships, recruitment, professional qualification, turnover, and symbolic valuation. The study is grounded in the premise that, although the hotel industry is central to tourism and a major generator of urban employment, it lacks empirical studies revealing the depth of labor relations, particularly at operational levels. Methodologically, the research adopts a quantitative approach with complementary qualitative support. 298 questionnaires were administered to workers from 29 hotels, and 29 semi-structured interviews conducted with managers, covering small, medium, and large establishments. Data collection occurred from February to October 2023, encompassing high and low tourism seasons. Quantitative data were processed using SPSS (univariate and bivariate analyses), while interviews were examined via thematic analysis. Results show most workers are employed in operational positions characterized by low wages, unstable contracts, and limited access to formal training. Entry occurs predominantly through informal networks, and turnover is high, reflecting a lack of career prospects. Technical qualification and foreign language proficiency remain incipient. Although managers are aware of these challenges, they often reproduce practices based on improvisation. The results highlight the presence of structural obstacles to labor valuation in the hospitality sector, associated with unstable employment relationships, limited formal qualification, and constraints in human resource management practices.