Is Private Higher Education on the Right Path? The Case of Hotel Studies Education in Egypt

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study aims to shed light on the required competencies for hospitality career success included in the curricula adopted by private higher education institutes on the one hand, and industry needs in Egypt on the other, from the triangular perspective of academics, students, and managers. A random sample of 360 senior students, 25 academics, and 80 hotel managers were surveyed. The results indicate that hotel managers and academics share common beliefs about the importance of hospitality courses and required competencies. The current curricula achieve only the outlines of the industry prospects by providing students with comprehensive frames of general and theoretic knowledge instead of offering specific professional skills. Furthermore, the study model proves direct significant correlations among course criteria, required competencies, and hospitality career success. Implications and recommendations for improving hotel studies in private Egyptian higher institutes to cope with contemporary challenges are also discussed.