Speaking the Same Language: The Value of Social Networking Sites for Hospitality and Tourism Higher Education in Egypt

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis research investigates the value of using social networking sites (SNSs) in hospitality and tourism higher education in developing countries through a case study of students enrolled in the Colleges of Tourism and Hotel Management in Egypt. Students’ perceptions were identified via self-administered questionnaire. The results showed that although there were some statistical differences between different groups as well as their perceptions about using SNSs, there was consensus that SNSs have a value for academic-related purposes. SNSs have a great potential for hospitality and tourism higher education in developing countries where communication technology and formal electronic methods, such as Blackboards, university e-mails, and student blogs are not used adequately for teaching and learning. Hospitality and tourism education policy makers may respond to students’ use of SNSs by developing online communities and encourage individuals to participate in these social platforms to share their knowledge and experience with others.