Domination Practices on Tourism Trainees in the Working Space

Purpose –This study aims to examine the domination practices to which tourism undergraduate students are exposed during their internships. Design/methodology/approach –In this study, a case study approach was adopted. The participants were selected from Anadolu University Faculty of Tourism students who completed an internship and encountered problems during it. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 tourism undergraduate students in 2023. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis techniques, and the codes were classified under four main themes. Findings –The data reveal that interns were exposed to several domination practices, including physical, material, and status-based forms. Furthermore, trainees were subjected to domination through control mechanisms. Discussion –Internship increases students' practical gains and prepares them for transition to the sector. However, the fact that some students give up working in the industry after their internship points to a significant problem. If the working conditions in the sector are improved, the qualified personnel needed by the tourism sector will participate in the tourism employment market.