Rethinking hospitality and tourism education

Beyond tradition and transformation

Bibliographic Data

ID21872851
AuthorsGeorges El Hajal (0000-0001-7929-8943, University of Groningen, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume15
Issue3
Pages295-306
Publication date2025-09-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueHospitality & Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2042-7913 • E-ISSN: 2042-7921
PublisherIntellect (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1386/hosp_00099_1
OpenAlexW4415730565
LanguageEN
References cited23

Hospitality and tourism (H&T) education is at critical crossroads, balancing enduring academic traditions and the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven industry. This paper critically examines these tensions, particularly the balance between responsiveness to industry needs and preserving academic rigour, critical thinking and scholarly independence. Drawing on insights from the webinar Rethinking Hospitality and Tourism Education: Disruptors and Transformations and input from the authors of the book, this paper explores key questions on urgent disruptions to conventional H&T education, the reimagining of credentials, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning environments, innovative assessment models and the ultimate purpose of H&T education. While embracing necessary transformations, this paper cautions against over-alignment with industry imperatives and advocates for a reimagined H&T education model grounded in ethical responsibility, intellectual depth and broader societal relevance. Ultimately, it positions H&T education both as a site of professional preparation and a critical, reflexive and transformative public good

Hospitality · Hospitality industry · Hospitality management studies · Reflexivity · Tourism · Tourism geography · Transformative learning · Higher Education and Employability · Hospitality and Tourism Education · Management and Marketing Education

Tools

Open DOI