Managing cultural diversity: Opportunities and challenges for Northern Ireland hoteliers

Purpose - This paper aims to explore the opportunities and challenges faced by hospitality employers in accommodating a culturally diverse workforce in Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach - This is an exploratory paper based on interviews with hospitality employers in Northern Ireland. It seeks to answer the question "What opportunities and challenges does a culturally diverse workforce create for hoteliers in Northern Ireland?". Findings - This research highlights the potential of international workers as an invaluable new source of labour for the hospitality industry, provided that they are properly looked after and managed. Research limitations/implications - Future research could analyse the role of multicultural management in assuring business benefits associated with cultural diversity. Practical implications - The research suggests the importance of a positive proactive management system and solutions for training that could be incorporated into the workplace that celebrates its employee's cultures, that values and explores differences and that actively seeks to learn from other cultures, demonstrates tolerance, respects differences, identifies similarities and strives for inclusiveness. Training solutions are provided. Originality/value - This study suggests the removal of barriers to the successful integration of international staff into the workplace and society, while benefiting all staff, their organisations and the Irish tourism product.