THE IMPACT OF GASTRONOMY ENTERPRISES MANAGERS' PARTICIPATION IN TOURISM ACTIVITIES ON JOB SATISFACTION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

Tourism events play a key role in destination marketing, enhancing regional promotion and increasing visitor inflows. This study investigates the extent to which gastronomy enterprises in Bishkek engage with tourism events. A survey was conducted with 851 enterprise managers. Results reveal strong interest in events abroad and in Bishkek, but limited engagement with other domestic events. Strengthening the quality and frequency of tourism events and fostering sectoral involvement are recommended. This study aims to examine the impact of gastronomy enterprises (GE) managers’ participation in tourism activities on their job satisfaction (JS) and professional expectations (PE), focusing on GE operating in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. A quantitative survey was conducted with 851 GE managers in Bishkek. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated scales, and analyzed with descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple regression. Findings revealed that GE managers actively follow tourism events held abroad and in Bishkek but show limited engagement in events across Kyrgyzstan. Regression results indicated that participation in tourism activities significantly affects JS and PE (R² = 0.725, p < 0.001), with a positive correlation between JS and PE (r = 0.221, p < 0.05). This underscores the role of tourism events in enhancing managerial motivation and engagement. Participation in tourism activities contributes positively to GE managers’ JS and PE, highlighting the importance of encouraging greater sectoral involvement in domestic and international events. Integrating tourism activities into human resource and professional development strategies may foster more sustainable and competitive enterprises. © 2026 by the authors.