Microsoft Word 2007 ichrie conference Proceedings Final-Final 06-06-07. doc

CONCLUSION 
The research study investigated secondary school students’ perceptions and attitudes towards the 
hospitality professions. The findings confirmed some long time assumptions expressed by industry stakeholders.
The most important finding, which necessitates the immediate attention of all stakeholders and should be further 
investigated by future research studies, is the relatively low image and reputation hospitality professions “enjoy” 
amongst secondary school students. It is suggested that the industry provides careers which are relatively 
unattractive to the vast majority of secondary school students, especially the ones with above average academic 
qualifications. Findings suggest that the industry is able to attract individuals with average or below academic 
qualifications who mostly attend secondary public technical schools.
Reflecting on the research findings, the authors presented a number of recommendations that aim to 
enhance the public image and reputation of the industry. These recommendations are founded on a symbiotic and 
mutually beneficial relationship amongst hospitality stakeholders, secondary school students, and the Cyprus 
Government. The quality of this relationship will become the determining factor in all of our efforts to improve the 
industry, its image, and the quality of individuals attracted by it. Tertiary education has a crucial role in this effort 
since it represents the bridge on which individuals should successfully pass en-route to a prosperous and long-term 
career.