Hospitality and Tourism Higher Education in the Post-COVID Era: Is It Time to Change?

Abstract

Although we have entered the new normal created by the COVID-19 crisis, few studies have offered guidance for the future of hospitality and tourism education. This study attempts to fill this gap by adopting two theories–curriculum theory and stakeholder theory. Thirty participants, consisting of hospitality and tourism students, faculty members, and industry professionals, were interviewed in focus groups. The results demonstrate curricula with a heavy emphasis on technology (artificial intelligence, virtual reality, or big data), marketing, culture/diversity, safety/crisis management, and entrepreneurship; and soft competencies focusing on creativity, self-confidence/positivity, self-care/wellness, critical thinking, leadership and teamwork. Many of these hard and soft skills reflect a greater need for new innovative business ideas and safety/health concerns in the post-COVID era. We hope these results serve as a foundation for educators and other stakeholders involved in setting plans and strategies for hospitality and tourism education in the years to come.