Take time on us: invisible tourism workers

On 13 April 2022, students of the Higher Education Program in Hospitality and Tourism at the Biotechnical Educational Centre Ljubljana prepared a photography exhibition in Ljubljana as part of the “Take Your Time” project.

The exhibition portrayed neglected, invisible workers in tourism. We pointed out the lack of respect of tourism workers and inadequate recognition of tourism work. On our Facebook and Instagram profiles, we presented over 25 professions of undervalued workers in tourism.

We aimed to show them our appreciation for their indispensable contribution. According to our findings, among the ignored workers in tourism are taxi drivers, maids, maintenance workers, laundry workers, cleaners, workers at swimming pools, hotel technicians, confectioners, waiters, receptionists, shuttle drivers, suppliers, tourist train/boat drivers, porters, parking fee collectors, travel agency workers, reservation workers, tourist animators, janitors, cableway workers and parking caretakers.

Those who participated in the project were visibly moved and positively surprised. Our initiative was also welcomed by the professional public in Slovenia and reported by many national media organisations.