A review and reflection on the liberation of hospitality higher education

Abstract

Hospitality higher education started to depart from its vocational orientation in the latter half of the 20th century following a rapid growth of global tourism. By incorporating liberal studies into its curricula, the sector aimed at helping students develop not only “professionally” but also “personally”. This article reviews the liberation of hospitality higher education and argues that it is an incomplete process due to a disproportionate emphasis on “professional” development. To complete this process, it is necessary to look beyond the boundary of “knowledge”, “skills”, and “attitudes” and regard hospitality not only as an industry but also a human character. Hence, this article calls for a contemplation of the original meaning of hospitality among teachers and learners as part of the effort to truly liberate hospitality higher education.