Career research in hospitality and tourism: an integrated framework and pathways for empirical validation

High employee turnover and career dissatisfaction are significant challenges for the hospitality and tourism (H&T) industry, underscoring the need for effective career frameworks. To address the lack of a unified framework, this study critically reviews 59 articles. By identifying gaps in the literature, we develop a framework that integrates individual, organizational, and socio-cultural factors to understand career dynamics in H&T and establish a pathway for empirical validation. This framework provides a roadmap for businesses to improve work environments, reduce turnover, and enhance service quality. Additionally, it equips H&T managers, policymakers, and educators with tools to cultivate a skilled workforce, promote innovation, and support economic and societal objectives aligned with the Australia's national labour strategy for H&T known as the THRIVE 2030. Finally, the study presents eight hypotheses based on empirical studies for future research, advancing both the theoretical and practical understanding of careers in the H&T industry.