The future of diversity, equity, and inclusion research in hospitality

The diversity and complexity of a diverse workforce can be both an asset for the industry but also a challenge. As a global industry that depends on high-touch customer service, the hospitality industry relies on a diverse workforce. Inequity, injustice, and discrimination in employment, pay, and advancement opportunities are ever-present challenges for the hospitality industry, which cannot be ignored, given that they have negative consequences for individual employees, but also for organizations and the hospitality industry. This concluding chapter provides an overview of the future directions provided by the chapters in this handbook. This handbook brings together scholars in hospitality and tourism management from various disciplines (e.g., psychology, sociology, strategic management, consumer behavior, human resource management, and organizational behavior) to integrate the DEI literature that is relevant for the hospitality industry. This handbook provides future research avenues for academics who wish to examine how DEI can empower disadvantaged groups in hospitality and create a more inclusive work environment. Finally, this handbook provides a platform for practitioners, executives, and leaders from the hospitality industry to explore possible policies and practices that use DEI to make our industry more inclusive.