Features of orientations in difficult situations of tourism business managers at different stages of professional genesis

The article presents the results of an empirical study of coping factors that reflect the content of types of orientations in difficult situations in tourism business managers at different stages of professional genesis. Based on the theoretical analysis of scientific sources, it is stated that the professional activity of personnel employed in the tourism industry is characterized by stress resulting from various problem situations. The scientific achievements of modern scientists on the problem of coping of stress by tourism managers are considered. It is noted that research on the coping behavior of tourism professionals intensified only during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a crisis in the tourism industry. The urgency of deploying research of coping strategies of managers in the psychology of tourism in a broader perspective is emphasized. The total sample consisted of 216 persons. The first group consisted of 144 fourth-year students majoring in Tourism. The second group included 72 specialists with experience in the field of tourism from 7 to 10 years. To solve the empirical problems, the questionnaire “Types of orientations in difficult situations” by K. Bytjuc’ka and O. Kornjejev was used to diagnose coping factors that outline the orientation of the research efforts to approach the problem situation or avoid difficult circumstances. Student’s t-test for independent samples was used for mathematical and statistical data processing. Significantly higher indicators for students are set on the scales «Striving for difficulties», «Obstacle orientation», «Escape», «Inaction» and «Insouciance». These data reflect a contradictory combination of orientations on rapprochement with the problem situation and its avoidance. The identified features of the types of orientations in difficult situations in students - future managers of the tourism business determine the likelihood of difficulties in forming their professional competence and ability to perform professional tasks. Specialists with professional experience demonstrate significantly higher performance on the scales «Thoroughness», «Threat alert» and «Opportunity orientation». The obtained empirical results prove the expediency of improving the psychological training of tourism professionals and emphasize the relevance of creating a program of psychological support and its implementation in the system of professional education of tourism professionals