Overlooked liminal labor in the sustainable hospitality workforce: The case of J-1 workers

Rui Qi, Pei Zhang, Haigang Liu, Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management, The University of Memphis, Experience Industry Management Department, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Mountain View

Tourism and Hospitality Research

Published online on October 30, 2025

Abstract

Tourism and Hospitality Research, Ahead of Print.
This study examines how the temporary, transitional status of J-1 visa workers in the U.S. hotel industry affects their experiences, using the theoretical lens of liminality to understand them as socialized individuals. Employing a mixed-methods approach, ...