The tourism education and the tourism industry imbalances: A review of skills, curriculum proponents and the way forward

Abstract

The tourism sector is a complex industry, encompassing a wide range of labour needs from nonqualified to high-qualified personnel. However, it appears that tourism education society has evolved in a heterogeneous and ad hoc manner and does not necessarily meet the tourism industry's skills-set needs. Tourism education confronts daunting problems in practice and curriculum development that call for innovative approaches and alliances, intended to enhance the graduates' knowledge and skills. Therefore, this paper aims to ascertain the existence of gaps in tourism curricula development and skills sets required by the tourism industry. The paper findings emphasize stakeholders’ collaboration framework; tourism educators, students, parents, and government(s) to address the mismatch. In addition, the findings point to the importance of vocational and liberal approaches in tourism teachings, using a systematic approach. This study's ideologies help the tourism curriculum developers, and tourism stakeholders harmonize their persuasions for satisfaction on both ends.