Jay Wolszczak has over 30 years of experience working for several major hospitality companies and currently serves as First Watch Restaurant’s Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary. First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients across its network of neighborhood restaurants. There are more than 520 First Watch restaurants in 29 states. In 2021 under Jay’s leadership, First Watch completed a successful IPO and First Watch is traded on the Nasdaq under ticker symbol FWRG. Jay previously was General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Business Affairs for Hard Rock International and its portfolio of Hard Rock Cafés, Hard Rock Hotels and Hard Rock Casinos worldwide. Prior to his tenure at Hard Rock, he was an associate with Akerman Senterfitt and Holland & Knight. Jay graduated with honors from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law and was a member of the Florida Law Review. He also received his undergraduate degree from University of Florida receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Finance.
EFTI Advisory Board Welcomes Andrew T. Marcus
Andrew T. Marcus, Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation
EFTI BIO
10-30-23
Andrew T. Marcus serves as senior vice president and deputy general counsel of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: VAC), a leading global vacation company that offers vacation ownership, exchange, rental, and resort and property management, along with related businesses, products, and services. His current responsibilities include overseeing an international team of attorneys and other legal professionals that support the company’s efforts with respect to new product innovation and structuring, government affairs and advocacy, information and technology, intellectual property, non-U.S. operations, and the Interval International exchange and travel benefits business. Previous responsibilities also included managing legal support for global sales and marketing, privacy, and labor and employment.
Prior to joining MVW, Andy served as both chief legal officer and chief operating officer for an Orlando-based timeshare resort and golf course developer, and, prior to that, as a partner in the Orlando office of the national law firm, Baker & Hostetler, where he practiced in the area of real estate and related business law with an emphasis on the hospitality industry.
Andy received his BA from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1986 and his JD with honors from the University of Florida in 1990, where he also served as an editor on the Florida Law Review. He is a longtime participant in the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the national trade association for the vacation ownership industry, where he currently serves on its Legislative Policy Council, and previously served as chairman of both its State Legislative Committee and Federal Issues Committee. Andy is a member of the Florida Bar.
Where is travel going?
by Alisson Clark
Caesars Entertainment CCO Pavan Kapur on 4 trends that will shape the industry — and how to stay ahead of them
When Pavan Kapur thinks back to challenges his industry has faced, from the 2008 economic downturn to the COVID pandemic, the Caesars Entertainment executive recalls how the travel, tourism, hospitality, and events sectors all yearned for expert guidance.
Fast forward to April 2023, when Kapur, who graduated from the University of Florida in 2000, returned to campus for a board meeting of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute. Row after row of posters from EFTI director Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu and her collaborators displayed cutting-edge research on topics from artificial intelligence to post-pandemic trends — insights available through a newly launched EFTI Partnership Program.
“Expertise like this can help us prepare for what’s next,” Kapur says.
Kapur became Caesars’ chief commercial officer in June, where he oversees areas as varied as pricing structure and customer-facing technology, including the website and mobile app. Fielding multiple vendor pitches each day for new innovations keeps Kapur well aware of the rapid shifts in the industry and the need to stay abreast of them. As part of EFTI’s advisory board, he’s excited to bring members the latest findings from UF, consultations from EFTI researchers, and a pipeline to top talent, among other benefits.
He outlined four factors shaping the industry’s future where the EFTI partnership program can give members an edge.
Shifts in spending
Gen Xers and Millennials are projected to inherit $16 trillion from Baby Boomers in the next ten years, which Kapur foresees triggering an industry-wide shift. “Unlike Baby Boomers who have built a reputation for being savers, I think the generation now are willing to spend their money, and they're going to spend it on nice things and nice travel experiences,” he says. EFTI partnership members get access to exclusive whitepapers on such emerging topics in tourism and hospitality.
Advancing artificial intelligence
“Everyone's talking about how AI will shape hospitality. Will AI transform the way people book their vacations, so instead of a travel agent guessing what you like, AI can curate an experience for you based on your likes? On the partner side, is AI going to shape the way we staff? AI is obviously the buzzword. How does it go from being a buzzword to actually being implemented? That's going to shape the industry over the next five to 10 years.” With a university-wide commitment to AI across the curriculum and the country’s most powerful university-owned AI supercomputer, “UF and EFTI are going to put theory into practical use,” he says. Partners have exclusive access to workshops and seminars, one of which recently covered AI.
An agile workforce
As the industry undergoes rapid change, so will the skill sets required of tourism professionals. “That's the beauty of this job. It's never the same,” Kapur says. As a top public university located in tourism-driven Florida, UF creates a stream of qualified candidates for jobs and internships. EFTI partners get early access to top graduates of the Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management program, as well as scholarships for eligible employees for UF’s online Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Internships can not only provide low-cost labor to help with seasonal demand, but also build a new generation of innovators, Kapur says. “Creating new leaders, watching their careers grow and flourish and helping them get to where they want to be — that's so rewarding. It’s the part of the job I love the most,” he says.
Working across sectors
“Companies are no longer operating in silos,” Kapur says, offering the example of an airline and hotel joining forces to leverage their loyalty programs. With an advisory board that draws on restaurant, hotel, cruise, golf, theme park and other sectors, EFTI partners can join conversations about ways to collaborate “to make sure that we offer the best value and best experience for our customers.”
For more information on the EFTI Industry Partnership Program and how to join, visit https://uftourism.org/our-partners.
EFTI/THEM in the News
[February 22, 2024] “If you’re planning to go into the hospitality industry, the pathway is increasingly going to involve some sort of familiarity with AI. That’s one of the key messages in “Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Robot Applications in Hospitality Businesses,” a new book by hospitality professor Rachel J.C. Fu. In the following Q&A, Fu discusses how the hospitality jobs of the future will rely more and more on technology to provide a pleasant guest experience.”
[February 14, 2024] Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu wasn’t just attending her first Formula One as a fan. As the inaugural chair of the University of Florida’s department of tourism, hospitality and event management, she saw this as an opportunity. Big events and festivals represent a growing share of the tourism market – as an educator, Dr. Fu wants to prepare future leaders to manage them.
Our THEM dept Chair and EFTI Director, Dr. Rachel J.C. Fu has been featured on some of the world's premier news outlets, and our department has made headlines in premier business and industry publications:
[July 27, 2023]. Boca Beacon. “New Airlines Make for Breezier Visits, Fewer Stopovers.”
[June 29, 2023]. Forbes Advisor. “More Back-To-Back Hurricanes Are Possible. Will That Push Up The Price of Travel Insurance?”
[June 29, 2023]. US News and World Report. “Despite ‘Titan’ Submersible’s Fatal Wreck, Extreme Tourism Among the Ultra Wealthy Isn’t Going Away. From the Titan submersible to Virgin Galactic’s rocket plane, the ultra-rich are paying top dollar for extreme adventures that can be short on regulations and high on danger.”
[June 13, 2023]. Florida Trend. “Survey Reveals why people Choose to Visit Florida”. Story as the lead.
[June 8, 2023]. The Capitolist. “Report: social media plays the biggest role in attracting tourists to Florida.”
[June 7, 2023]. University of Florida News. “Survey reveals why people choose to visit Florida”.
Helping you prepare for busy travel days
Dr. Fu spoke with Channel 4 Jax to discuss the holiday travel season and what you can expect from the busiest travel time of the year. Read the full article below.
Booking holiday travel? Here’s five top expert tips
Finally taking that holiday trip you’ve waited all year to enjoy? As the tourism industry continues its comeback, there are a few things you should consider.
Rachel J.C. Fu., chair and professor of the Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management and director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute at UF, provides us with valuable insight and helpful tips for holiday travel.
EFTI Advisory Board Welcomes Phyllis Lockwood Geiger
Phyllis Lockwood Geiger
The Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute and the Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management are grateful for the contribution of the industry leaders who are part of our Industry Advisory Board. We take this opportunity to thank all members who have been with us for the past years sharing their experiences and insights with our faculty, researchers, students and staff. We are excited to continue expanding our board and welcoming new insights and perspectives in the field.
The tourism, hospitality and event management industries benefit immensely from research and training the next generation of professionals. Our Industry Advisory Board continues to contribute to research projects, curriculum adjustments, and student opportunities. This month, we welcome Christine Hoffman to our board.
Phyllis Lockwood Geiger founded Peterbrooke Chocolatier in Jacksonville, Florida’s San Marco neighborhood in 1983. She named her business after her two children, Peter and Brooke. Her mission was to translate the European art of hand tempering chocolate into the “American Neighborhood” experience. It was an immediate success. The number of Peterbrooke stores grew to three when she realized she needed a Production Center. In 1996 Phyllis enrolled in the International Retail Confectionery school at Gannon University to learn about making larger batches of chocolate. Peterbrooke focuses on producing delicious hand-dipped chocolates based on local and regional American favorites. Peterbrooke was on the leading edge of America’s gourmet movement. Her original shop represented a drastic change from the brown and brass feel of old. Peterbrooke is sleek and simple using white, hot pink, and blue as a backdrop to present the chocolate as gift or self-indulgence. Peterbrooke’s iconic blue bag is well known in Jacksonville and now in new neighborhoods.
As CEO, Phyllis designed and opened 15 shops throughout North Florida and Orlando. Phyllis’s legacy continues as Peterbrooke Chocolatier grows to over 22 brick and mortar locations in Southeast United States from Atlanta to Palm Beach and Boca Raton. Visit their locations at www.peterbrooke.com.
Phyllis serves as a chocolate consultant along with serving her schools and community as a mentor and benefactor. She is a graduate of The Williston Northampton, Easthampton, Ma., where three generations of her family have graduated. As a member of The Elm Tree Society, she continues to help to develop and support her father’s, The H.L. Lockwood’s Scholarship.
Business affiliations have included: The Women’s Food Alliance, The Jacksonville Women’s Network, the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, San Marco Merchants Association, Retail Confectioners International, The First Coast Manufacturers Association, San Marco Preservation, and Cornerstone.
Phyllis founded Café Carmon in 1985. It was an American bistro, Café Carmon. In 1990 she sold her shares to her partner, T. Wayne Davis, Winn Dixie Family.
“Many awards during the years…but the Greatest was in 2015 The Hall of Fame Award given by the Visit Jacksonville and the Beaches Tourism Council. It was presented to both myself, Founder of Peterbrooke and my son, Peter, Founder of Sweet Pete’s Candy at an award luncheon. It was in recognition of ‘vision, creativity, and passion to develop an iconic and uniquely Jacksonville brand for visitors…’”
EFTI Advisory Board Welcomes Christine Hoffman
Christine Hoffman, Mayor at City of Jacksonville Beach
The Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute and the Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management are grateful for the contribution of the industry leaders who are part of our Industry Advisory Board. We take this opportunity to thank all members who have been with us for the past years sharing their experiences and insights with our faculty, researchers, students and staff. We are excited to continue expanding our board and welcoming new insights and perspectives in the field.
The tourism, hospitality and event management industries benefit immensely from research and training the next generation of professionals. Our Industry Advisory Board continues to contribute to research projects, curriculum adjustments, and student opportunities. This month, we welcome Christine Hoffman to our board. Hear from her below:
“I'm excited and honored to have been invited to join the EFTI Advisory Board. As a graduate of the University of Florida, I know the key role that it can play in informing, shaping and driving industries that are important to our state. As the mayor of a coastal community, tourism is a major driver of not only our economy, but also a factor we must consider within our allocation of resources. Additionally, as the Executive Director of the Beaches Museum which houses the Visit Jacksonville Beaches Visitor Center, I am actively involved in our local tourism community on a daily basis. I look forward to not only contributing to the group and the work of the EFTI, but also learning and networking with the members of the Board!”
EFTI Advisory Board Welcomes Troy Flanagan!
Troy Flanagan serves as senior vice president of government affairs and industry relations for the American Hotel & Lodging Association. He brings over 20 years of experience to the role as a policy advocate who works closely with AHLA’s broad array of brand, REIT, management company and state association members and industry allies on issues critical to the hotel industry.
How will NASA Keep Up with Space Tourism?
THEM Students Assist with the St. Augustine History Festival
The Miami Grand Prix, Florida’s Newest Visitor Attraction
Dr. Reid is Professor of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology at the University of Florida. He is part of a multisite research team using biometrics to measure driver physiology on track with the goal of increasing driver safety. He has published scientific articles on this topic and been invited to speak at scientific conferences, universities, and motorsport meetings. Beyond his profession, Dr. Reid is a certified high performance driving instructor who regularly instructs for national organizations.
The Event
Move over Mickey. Florida is welcoming thousands of visitors for the Miami Grand Prix on May 6-8, 2022. This inaugural Formula 1 (F1) race will feature 20 elite drivers from teams such as Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, McLaren, and the US-based Haas F1 Team. The Grand Prix is the marquee attraction in a three-day race weekend that will include support races by the W Series, an international series for women drivers, and the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America. Excitement in the US and abroad has created heavy demand for tickets which sold out in only 40 minutes and are being resold for thousands of dollars.
The Miami Grand Prix is being hosted by the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, home of the Miami Dolphins. Adjacent to the stadium is a new 3.36 mi race track, the Miami International Autodrome, which features 19 corners, three straights, and a predicted top speed of 199 mi/hr with grandstand seating for 80,000 fans.
Tom Grinkle, Dolphins CEO and Grand Prix managing partner, promises a ‘this is different’ vibe for fans. Unique aspects of the fan experience will include a temporary 24,000 square foot beach, trackside swimming pools, a ‘marina’ with dry-docked yachts, art shows, and musical performances plus a variety of clubs and hospitality zones.
Why Bother?
Formula 1 is a multi-billion dollar industry that is among the most popular sports in the world, second only to soccer in popularity. The 2022 F1 season comprises 23 races in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas. The audience is massive. The final race of the 2021 season had over 100 million viewers worldwide and, prior to the pandemic, F1 race attendance totaled over
4 million fans each year. Recent data from Nielsen Sports indicates that up to one billion people will have an interest in Formula 1 by April 2022.
In the United States, enthusiasm for F1 has skyrocketed, largely due to ‘the Netflix effect.’ Pundits attribute the surge to the popularity of Formula 1: Drive to Survive, a Netflix series that introduced the sport to many Americans. As a result, F1 television viewership is at an all-time high in the US and last year’s United States Grand Prix, hosted by Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas, attracted the most attendees of any F1 race in the 2021 season. Florida has a legendary motorsports tradition and robust racing industry but has not hosted an F1 race since 1959.
The Miami Grand Prix enters the F1 market as a complement to the United States Grand Prix. The event is ideally positioned to succeed in Miami. The city has a strong international reputation as a vacation destination, famous for its beaches and nightlife, and South Florida has a vibrant, diverse culture that appeals to travelers from abroad. Getting to and from Miami is easy, with numerous domestic and international flights daily. And there are thousands of options for housing, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
The Business Model
Miami and surrounding communities are expected to benefit financially from the Grand Prix. Promoters of the event indicate it will create 4,000 new jobs, stimulate 35,000 hotel bookings, and have an annual economic impact of $400 million. The early data support this optimism. Scores of partner hotels from Miami Beach to Fort Lauderdale are listed on the Miami Grand Prix website and – months before the event -- most hotels already had no vacancies.
This economic engine was set in motion by a complex public/private partnership. This involved government entities in Miami, Miami Gardens, and Dade County who worked with the Dolphin and Hard Rock organizations to negotiate a deal with Liberty Media Corporation, the parent company of Formula 1. Mayor Francis Suarez of Miami, a lifelong race fan, was particularly active in promoting the race along with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.
Community members required more coaxing. Efforts to create a downtown street race that incorporated Biscayne Boulevard and Bayfront Park were rejected by Miami residents. Initial plans for the Hard Rock Stadium venue also met resistance from the Miami Gardens community. This was resolved by a $5M community benefits package from the race organizers. The package created new STEM programs in local schools, established paid internships for high school and college students, and provided discount tickets to the Grand Prix for local residents.
The Future
Near term prospects appear rosy for the Miami Grand Prix. The 2022 F1 season is underway and seems successful, despite ties with Russia that were cut after the Ukraine invasion. Netflix recently released the highly-anticipated fourth season of Drive to Survive to the relief of fans. The receding pandemic does not threaten attendance. Nor does competition from the United States Grand Prix according to Mayor Suarez. Final preparations for the race are proceeding apace and national media coverage is glowing. Indeed, Suarez opines that the ten-year contract with F1 will be ‘like a Super Bowl every year’ for the local economy.
Still, event organizers and local government face ongoing challenges. Las Vegas was recently approved for a third US-based F1 race beginning next year. This makes the US the only nation with more than two races. Are three sustainable? Liberty Media Corp. expects ongoing changes in F1 television contracts and race venues. Miami will need to stay ahead of these and other changes or else fall victim.
Sustainability is the goal. Florida boasts several iconic auto races: the Sebring endurance race (held annually since 1950), Daytona 500 (since 1959), and Daytona endurance race (1962). For over a half century, each of these events has brought international attention to its community, attracted thousands of visitors each year, and contributed millions of dollars in economic impact. The Miami Grand Prix is poised to do the same for South Florida.
Cruise Trends
Like Cruising? These People Are Totally Wild About It
On June 21, 2021, Rachel, J.C. Fu, PhD, Chair of the UF Department of Tourism Hospitality and Event Management, and Director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute showcased her expertise by discussing cruise trends and audiences.
Nearly a Third of Travelers Would Consider a Cruise in 2022
Additionally, Dr. Fu was quoted by Recommend Magazine, saying
“Cruise lovers are eager to sail again.”
Nearly a third of travelers would consider a cruise in 2022
She was highlighted at UF News saying,
“Providers want to be sure they deserve customers’ trust by having the proper resources and well-trained employees. Cruise lines want to spread happiness, not coronavirus.”
Dr. Rachel Fu Speaks with CNBC
Travel is 'roaring back' - but the industry might not be ready for a boom
On January 11th, Rachel, J.C. Fu, PhD, Chair of the UF Department of Tourism Hospitality and Event Management, and Director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute discusses travel trends with CNBC writer, Monicca Buchanan Pitrelli.
Dr. Fu dove into the advances of technology and artificial intelligence in the tourism industry saying, “Using AI wisely can significantly reduce labor costs without sacrificing the level of personalized services.”
Dr. Rachel Fu Speaks on Space Tourism
Space: The Hot New Travel Destination
On January 18, 2022, Rachel, J.C. Fu, PhD, Chair of the UF Department of Tourism Hospitality and Event Management, and Director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute spoke with Bottom Line Inc. regarding the potential of space tourism.
How William Shatner's Blue Origin space trip can reignite passion for science
On October 12, 2021, Rachel, J.C. Fu, PhD, had the pleasure of speaking to ABC News on the realities of space tourism.
"If you are attracting this attention and other entrepreneurs want to invest in this revolution, this will lead to improvements, make [space travel] safer and make it more affordable," Fu said.
A lot of folks want to get away from it all, as in way away. Is space tourism ready for takeoff?
On December 11, 2021, Rachel, J.C. Fu, PhD, gave hope to the likelihood of space travel in an interview with The Philadelphia Inquirer.
“The sky is not a limit anymore.”
EFTI Advisory Board Welcomes Sean Doherty!
The Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute and the Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management are grateful for the contribution of the industry leaders who are part of our Industry Advisory Board. We take this opportunity to thank all members who have been with us for the past years sharing their experiences and insights with our faculty, researchers, students and staff. We are excited to continue expanding our board and welcoming new insights and perspectives in the field.
Now more than ever, the Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management industries benefit from the information provided by research, as well as students need to be properly trained to showcase excellence when becoming the next generation of professionals. The input from the Industry Advisory Board will continue to be valuable for our next research projects and curriculum adjustments in the years to come. This month, we welcome Sean Doherty to our board.
Sean Doherty currently serves as the Tourism Director for the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. He is a proud double Gator, graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Exercise & Sports Sciences in 1994 and his Master of Exercise & Sports Science in 1997.
Doherty has led the VCB team in producing record visitation (+23.4%), economic impact (+35.7%) and Tourist Development Tax collections (+36.8%) in Fiscal Year 2021. In addition, he increased the number of hosted sporting events and corresponding economic impact ten-fold for Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach as well as launched the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach meetings market sales program from scratch.
Outside of his impressive career, he currently serves on the Destinations Florida Board of Directors and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association - Charlotte Chapter Board of Directors. Doherty is also a member of several organizations like Visit Florida, Destinations International, the Sports Event & Tourism Association, and the Florida Sports Foundation.
EFTI Advisory Board Welcomes Michael Andrew!
The Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute and the Department of Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management are grateful for the contribution of the industry leaders who are part of our Industry Advisory Board. We take this opportunity to thank all members who have been with us for the past years sharing their experiences and insights with our faculty, researchers, students and staff. We are excited to continue expanding our board and welcoming new insights and perspectives in the field.
Now more than ever, the Tourism, Hospitality & Event Management industries benefit from the information provided by research, as well as students need to be properly trained to showcase excellence when becoming the next generation of professionals. The input from the Industry Advisory Board will continue to be valuable for our next research projects and curriculum adjustments in the years to come. This month, we welcome Michael Andrew to our board.
Michael Andrew, a Gator alum, is Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Enterprise Holdings, Inc., which operates the Enterprise, National and Alamo car rental brands. In this position, Mr. Andrew oversees the company’s global legal and government relations activities and advises the company on a wide range of legal and business issues, leading attorneys and government relations associates in the US, UK, Canada, and Continental Europe.
Outside of his successful career, Michael Andrew currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis, a role he has maintained since 2018. Before this, he served from 2005-2009 on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida. He has also served in various positions on the Florida Commission on Volunteerism & Community Service, the Florida Advisory Council on Condominiums, the California Department of Real Estate’s Timeshare Taskforce, and the Hawaii Department of Consumer Affairs’ Destination Club Legislative Reform Group.
Bleisure, Workcations, and Life - a trend could be here to stay
Bleisure, Workcations, and Life – a trend could be here to stay
On March 9th, Rachel, J.C. Fu, PhD, Chair of the UF Department of Tourism Hospitality and Event Management, and Director of the Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute spoke with the BBC News to give her perspective on the current trend of 'Workcations'.
Q. Workers who might spend a week vacation on the beach, but work 9 to 5 and then enjoy vacation leisure time after/before. (As opposed to just tacking vacation days on to a business trip.) For that first group, who are the types of workers taking these bleisure vacations who couldn’t before the pandemic, do you think?
A. Before the pandemic era, bleisure referred to people who built their vacation days into their business trips by extending their trips before/after their business hours and days, so they could invite their loved ones to spend quality time and enjoy a nice accommodation (partially at employers’ expense) at a destination. During the pandemic, we all have been well trained that as long as we can deliver remotely, companies seem not to interfere with where their employees are working from (home vs. non-home places where Internet connection and/or satellite tower is well equipped). Similar to the remote learning environment, some students have decided to stay at AirBnBs in the mountains, beach houses, and other fun places to use their cameras while taking notes and Zooming in and out freely.
Before and during the pandemic, some companies and institutions already have their designated rental car companies welcome contracted companies’ employees to enter their company codes when renting a car for employees’ own leisure trips. Some companies even provide the contracted hotels/rental car companies as part of employee benefits such as contracted lodging places and/or rental cars.
Q. Why is it more accessible to them now?
A. The combined revolutionary concepts of work experiences, lifestyles, employee benefits, technology convenience, flexibility, productivity, and employers’ retention/recruitment strategies have impacted how we see the future of workplaces. We’d assume it might be the group of millennials who would enjoy the bleisure work-life styles, but when we think further, it seems to be an acceptable and win-win situation for both employees and employers. With mutual understanding, as long as employers accept that their employees do not need to be in an office 8 am to 5 pm, through consistent and good quality of their work products, reporting and delivering by effective communications integrated with reliable supportive systems (stabilized broadbands and Internet), the new type of bleisure will attract certain types of individuals. If using a rental/leasing office space is a high cost for the employers, the new concept could be seen as a new future of the workplace: encouraging employees to work remotely to reduce emissions, use hours more mindfully, and hopefully be happier and more productive.
Q.We talked about how people have been able to change their behaviors… anything else, maybe something about big systemic changes (companies being more flexible, etc.)?What do you think the implications are of more workers doing bleisure travel? Might it create inequalities between workers who can work remotely on vacation and those who can’t?
A. Individuals use their talents to make a living, and even more so to make a life. They select their expertise and skills and make decisions about their work and career; it’s a life choice. It’s about the nature of individuals’ job requirements, and I would not personally connect the reality with the inequalities at this moment. We may want to focus more on “access”, “strategies”, and “advanced approaches” (either through technologies or based on supply/demand mutual understanding and agreement) that can permit workers to deliver their work in-person and/or remotely more effectively.
Q. Or does it make remote work while on vacation more common? Something else?
A. From the tourism and hospitality business perspectives, combining vacation/work at destinations that will make contributions to local economies and generate further job opportunities. From a mindfulness perspective, we all have freedom of choice. “Leisure” stands for “freedom”. Individuals being able to enjoy their leisure freely with various choices [destinations, types of lodging, travel partners, etc.] and enjoy their working hours productively sounds wonderful. To work effectively and productively in a beautiful place is not only to be seen as the balance between work and life but could also be perceived as enjoying the life journey while we can. Having the freedom to make various choices about our work-life style is an empowering benefit.
Read the full article @ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20220309-workcations-the-travel-trend-mixing-work-and-play
