Towards Inclusive Hospitality: Food Allergens Management Awareness Among Serbian Hospitality Professionals
Towards Inclusive Hospitality: Food Allergens Management Awareness Among Serbian Hospitality Professionals

Author(s): Milica Aleksić, Jovanka Popov-Raljić
Subject(s): Social Sciences
Published by: Udruženje ekonomista i menadžera Balkana
Keywords: Inclusive hospitality; Food allergens management awareness; Hospitality professionals; Serbia
Summary/Abstract: Inclusive hospitality is an emerging imperative in global tourism, particularly as food allergies increase among tourists. In Serbia’s growing tourism sector, ensuring food safety and raising allergy awareness are challenging to deliver positive culinary experiences. This paper explores the intersection of food safety practices and the needs of tourists with food allergies and food hypersensitivity (FH) in Serbian hospitality. Drawing on a qualitative study involving interviews with individuals affected by food allergy challenges across tourist destinations in Serbia, the findings highlight persistent allergen management. The research identifies key barriers to effective allergen management, including incomplete safety protocols, variability in operational practices, and limited knowledge among employees. These challenges undermine efforts to prevent cross-contamination and compromise the safety of hypersensitive consumers. Strengthening food safety protocols and allergen awareness, standardizing practices, and enhancing staff training are essential strategies for fostering a more inclusive and trustworthy hospitality environment in Serbia.

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