Joy Sheelah Baraero Era, Mary Shan Cai Eje, Jhamela Kate Hernaez, Shaira Karylle Gonzales

Holiday Economics: Perspectives and Experiences from Hospitality Professionals

Introduction

Holiday economics: perspectives and experiences from hospitality professionals. Examine the Philippine Holiday Economics Law's impact on hospitality professionals. Uncover their experiences, ambiguous perceptions on operations & workforce, and insights for policy & tourism recovery.

Abstract

This research examined the perspectives and experiences of hospitality professionals on the resurgence of the Philippine Holiday Economics Law, first enacted in 2007, discontinued in 2010 under the Aquino administration, and revived in 2022 during the Marcos administration. The policy strategically shifts holidays to create long weekends and boost domestic tourism as part of its recovery program following the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on grounded theory and lived experience theoretical perspectives, this study employed a qualitative research design through semi-structured interviews with 15 hospitality professionals working in six restaurants, five cafes, and four hotels in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines. The results revealed that the concept of holiday economics is ambiguous to the participants, yet they have experienced its impact on operations and the workforce. This pioneering study provides actionable insights for stakeholders, facilitating more effective policy implementation. It contributes to understanding how a specific law or tourism-related policy on holiday adjustments is perceived and how it impacts the operations and workforce of hospitality professionals in a particular setting, which could serve as the foundation for similar studies in diverse contexts.

Review

This study, "Holiday Economics: Perspectives and Experiences from Hospitality Professionals," addresses a timely and highly relevant policy issue concerning the Philippine Holiday Economics Law and its implications for the hospitality sector. By focusing on the lived experiences and perceptions of professionals, the research provides a critical ground-level perspective on a policy designed to stimulate domestic tourism and contribute to post-pandemic economic recovery. The qualitative approach, informed by grounded theory and lived experience theoretical perspectives, is well-suited to uncovering the nuanced understanding and practical challenges faced by key stakeholders. This pioneering study's explicit aim to provide actionable insights for stakeholders is particularly commendable, highlighting its potential utility for both policymakers and industry practitioners. Methodologically, the research employs a robust qualitative design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 15 hospitality professionals across a diverse set of establishments within Bonifacio Global City. This focused geographical scope and direct engagement with the target population are significant strengths, allowing for in-depth exploration of individual experiences within a specific and dynamic urban context. The central finding—that participants perceive the concept of holiday economics as ambiguous, yet unequivocally experience its impact on operations and workforce—is a compelling and insightful contribution. This ambiguity itself is a crucial finding, suggesting potential gaps in policy communication or understanding, even as its tangible effects are keenly felt across the sector. Overall, this research makes a valuable contribution by shedding light on the practical implications of a specific tourism-related policy in a developing economy. Its emphasis on a particular setting in the Philippines provides a vital baseline for comprehending how such laws are perceived and how they affect the operational realities and human resources of the hospitality industry. The study effectively lays the groundwork for comparative research in diverse contexts, thereby enriching the broader academic discourse on holiday economics and policy evaluation within the global tourism sector. This work represents a significant step towards bridging the gap between policy intent and professional reality, offering crucial insights for future policy refinement and industry adaptation.

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