Tourism Management Students Research Articles

Tourism Student Satisfaction with Extra-curricular Activities in a Public Higher Education Institution in the Philippines

Higher education institution (HEI) is viewed as a significant driver of individual and national prosperity. HEI in the Philippines like Mindoro State University (MinSU), the only university in the province, delivers student development services that are designed for the exploration, enhancement, and development of the student’s full potential for personal growth, leadership, and social responsibility through various institutional and student-initiated activities. Recognizing this, MinSU is focusing on meeting its students’ needs, expectations, and satisfaction, the ultimate beneficiaries of the educational experience. This study assessed the satisfaction of tourism management students with extra-curricular activities (ECAs) during the academic year 2023-2024. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study utilizes a quantitative survey to gauge overall satisfaction and identify areas of strength and weakness. Additionally, qualitative interviews provide an in-depth exploration of student experiences, allowing them to articulate the “why” behind their satisfaction levels and let them make recommendations. Findings show students prioritized participation in cultural ECAs that provided opportunities to showcase their talents and creativity, contributing to reduced academic stress. Additionally, to improve student preparedness, the Council of Tourism Students Organization might consider a phased implementation of the existing SCALE program for the next semester. This study provides the factors that contribute to student satisfaction with ECAs, ultimately for the development of more engaging and enriching action plans that enhance the holistic experience towards student-initiated activities for lifelong learners as the future tourism industry workforce.

Research on the Cultivation Path of Practical Ability for Tourism Management Students

This paper aims to explore the cultivation path of practical ability for tourism management students. By analyzing the current situation and problems of practical ability cultivation in tourism management, it proposes strategies such as constructing a diversified practical teaching system, strengthening school-enterprise cooperation, and improving the evaluation mechanism of practical teaching. The implementation of these strategies is intended to enhance students' practical abilities and meet the demand for talents in the tourism industry. This study not only provides theoretical support for the teaching reform of tourism management majors in universities but also serves as a reference for cultivating high-quality tourism management talents.

Research on the Cultivation of Professional Quality for Tourism Management Students

This article aims to explore the cultivation of professional literacy among tourism management students. Through a review of relevant research both domestically and internationally, the connotation and importance of professional literacy are clarified. The current status of professional literacy training for tourism management students is further analyzed, revealing existing problems and deficiencies. Based on this, a series of targeted training strategies and suggestions are proposed, aiming to improve tourism management education, enhance students' professional literacy, and better adapt to the needs of industry development. Finally, empirical research verifies the effectiveness of the proposed strategies, providing a reference for improving tourism management education.

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHERS' POLITICAL SKILLS AND CREDIBILITY

Objective: This study investigates the significance of the relationship between teachers' political skills and credibility. It aims to present data-driven evidence that enhancing political skills can boost credibility so educational outcomes and student-teacher relationships will strengthen. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical underpinning of this study is the Source Credibility Theory, which describes the effect of perceived credibility on the source. Method: This descriptive-correlational study used primary data from 278 hospitality and tourism management students via questionnaires. Pearson R determined the strength and direction of the relationship. Regression analysis modeled the relationship and influence of political skills on credibility. Results and Discussion: The mean and standard deviation indicated very high political skills and credibility. The correlation test revealed a significant positive relationship between variables. The regression model showed a 74.7% influence of political skills on credibility, with sincerity as the best predictor. Research Implications: These findings suggest that teacher training should focus on developing political skills and sincerity to enhance credibility and effectiveness. Researchers in this field can explore ways to nurture these traits among educators and evaluate their effect on student outcomes for policymakers to apply across educational contexts. Originality/Value: This study provides evidence of a significant positive relationship between teachers' political skills and credibility. It highlights the importance of developing political skills and credibility among educators to earn trust. It extends the Source Credibility Theory to the educational domain, providing a foundation for future research in various contexts.

Research on the Docking Strategy Between the Curriculum System of Tourism Management in Colleges and Universities and the Needs of the Industry

This paper aims to explore effective strategies for aligning the curriculum of tourism management programs in universities with the demands of the industry, ensuring that educational content remains closely connected to the current practical needs of the tourism sector. By analyzing the current status of curriculum design in tourism management programs and combining it with the latest development trends and talent demands in the tourism industry, this study reveals the gaps and challenges between the curriculum and industry needs. The paper proposes a set of specific strategies for alignment, including optimizing curriculum design, strengthening practical teaching, and promoting university-industry collaboration, with the aim of enhancing the employability and industry adaptability of tourism management students. The results indicate that implementing these strategies can help better meet industry demands and promote the sustained development and quality improvement of tourism management education. Finally, this paper provides practical guidance and policy suggestions for the education reform of tourism management in colleges and universities.

Bridging the Gap Between Pre-Requisite Practicum Courses of Hospitality and Tourism Management and Needed Competencies of Industry Partners for Employability of Hospitality and Tourism Management Graduates

Hospitality and Tourism Management industry partners observed that practicumers need enhancement on needed competencies in the industry. The study focused on the experiences and observations of Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) students, practicum faculty and industry partners during the On-the-Job Training (OJT). The study examined the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) guidelines for practicum trainings, considering global perspectives aligned with Sustainable Development Goal #4: equal access to quality tertiary education. Qualitative research method was used and virtual interviews with practicumers, faculty members, and industry managers/trainers were conducted. The study uncovered experiences and observations of the participants of the Hospitality and Tourism practicum. The findings revealed that the practicumers need more trainings and enhancement in soft skills like, communication, leadership skills, self-confidence, people skills and essential hard skills. The industry partners were expecting that the students have to be well-trained before the OJT deployment. Based on the results of the study, guidelines on the revision of the pre-requisite practicum syllabi courses were developed to promote employability of Hospitality and Tourism graduates.

From the classroom to the Living Lab for developing competencies in tourism higher education

Acknowledging the limitations of traditional pedagogy on conventional competencies, this study aims to explore the effectiveness of the Living Lab approach in enhancing students' competencies and propose a Living Lab model in tourism higher education. For this purpose, the data were collected from university students of tourism and hotel management who took a tourism Living Lab class in South Korea in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Adapting Sker and Floričić’s three stages of the Living Lab procedure, this study analyzed the data using feedback from observations, field notes, open-ended questionnaires, and reflective journals that enabled qualitative content analysis. The results of this research manifest four themes: competency in professional development, collaboration and networking, learning agility and adaptability, and emotional connections. Based on these, this study proposes a Living Lab model of tourism higher education and suggests practical implications for higher education institutions.

Expectations for the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education: A Research on the Perceptions of Tourism Faculty Students

Rapid transformation and shaping of the education sector by evolving technologies are inevitable. The study aims to explore the transformative potential of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) within higher education, particularly in the tourism sector, and investigate students' perspectives on its usage. Existing research on this topic is limited, prompting a qualitative research approach in this study to obtain more in-depth findings. This involved conducting focus group discussions with nine first-year tourism management students who had attended four training seminars on digital transformation and artificial intelligence applications and possessed basic knowledge of the subject. The outcomes of these discussions, covering students' views on the impact of GenAI on academic performance, critical thinking and research skills, its contribution to post-graduation capabilities, potential misuse scenarios, and likely challenges, were subjected to content analysis. Among the primary research findings was that students are aware of security and ethics issues related to generative AI but are not concerned due to the availability of solutions. They perceive GenAI as an opportunity to enhance their learning experiences, academic performances, and future employability, but emphasize the necessity of using it as an auxiliary tool rather than relying entirely on these applications. Additionally, rather than immediately implementing these applications across all higher education institutions and departments, there is an emphasis on the necessity of transitional phase plans. Consequently, the study aimed to propose recommendations to higher education institutions, educators, and students based on both literature and practical insights to develop a framework aimed at a generative AI-centric approach. Moreover, valuable insights were sought to enhance the educational experience of future tourism professionals.

Enhancing Learning Performance of students in Tourism major at Ba Ria - Vung Tau University

Ba Ria – Vung Tau University, a tourism education institution in Vietnam, has implemented a multifaceted approach to optimize the learning performance of its tourism management students. This article examines the university’s strategies, which include curriculum design and relevance, integration of technology and digital literacy, experiential learning and industry partnerships, mentorship and career guidance, fostering student engagement and well-being, and a continuous improvement and evaluation process. The university’s comprehensive initiatives aim to prepare the next generation of tourism professionals by enhancing their knowledge, practical skills, and overall competitiveness in the dynamic and rapidly evolving tourism industry.

La Pinekonez: navigating challenges of homestay business

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, the participants would be able to understand the challenges in building a sustainable homestay tourism business; develop a positioning statement for La Pinekonez which builds a unique competitive advantage; and outline elements of the business strategy to profitably sustain and grow a sustainable tourism homestay in terms of service offering, pricing, marketing and operations. Case overview/synopsis La Pinekonez Homestay, located in the beautiful region of Himachal Pradesh, India, is the subject of this case study, which explores both its successes and its difficulties. In August 2022, Arvind, the dedicated sole proprietor of La Pinekonez, grappled with multifaceted challenges, the first being the foray of established hotel chains into the homestay business. As the protagonist, was is in dilemma of preserving La Pinekonez’s unique identity amidst corporate competitors, particularly with regards to differentiating from the expanding hotel chains. The clash between customer expectations for hotel-like amenities and the homestay’s commitment to sustainable tourism presented a crucial challenge. Negative reviews questioning the authenticity of La Pinekonez’s green initiatives heightened the complexity. Adding to Arvind’s predicament were the seasonal fluctuations in tourist inflow and his aspiration to embrace immersive tourism trends. This case study facilitates exploration of strategic positioning, sustainability management and marketing strategies in the dynamic and competitive hospitality industry. It also offers insights into the complexities of balancing differentiation, customer satisfaction and sustainability while navigating the evolving landscape of tourism trends. Complexity academic level This case study is suitable for students of tourism and hospitality management at postgraduate level. The case study can be discussed once the basic concepts of hospitality management and service dimensions are covered. Supplementary material Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CCS 12: Tourism and hospitality.

Entrepreneurship Education and Entrepreneurial Intention Among Tourism and Hotel Management Students: The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy and the Moderating Role of Grit

The present study aims to examine effective measures to enhance the effects of entrepreneurship education (EE) on university students’ entrepreneurial intention (EI) through entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) and grit. The survey used a convenient sample of 758 tourism and hotel management students in China. SPSS macro program PROCESS (Model 4) was used to test the mediating effect, and PROCESS (Model 7) was further used to verify the moderated mediation model. The results indicated that: (1) there was statistically significant and positive relationship among EE, ESE, grit, and EI among tourism and hotel management students; (2) EE significantly and positively predicted EI; (3) ESE played a partial mediating role in the link between EE and EI; (4) grit moderated the indirect effect of EE on students’ EI via their ESE. EE is a significant predictor of EI of tourism and hotel management students. Particularly, to improve the influence of EE, entrepreneurial policy makers should design incentive policies that ensure that universities provide EE across various majors. Also, educators should create a supportive and effective education environment so as to improve students’ ESE and grit.

The Impact of the Entrepreneurial Environment on Vietnamese Tourism Students' Entrepreneurial Intention

Purpose: Based on Social and Contextual cognitive theory, this study examines the impact of the entrepreneurial environment on the entrepreneurial intentions of students majoring in tourism in Vietnam. Design/methodology/approach: To standardize the conceptual framework of the study, the author began to use the qualitative research method to build hypotheses, then used the quantitative research method to conduct evaluation and assessment, and calculated the sample of the study with the SPSS software version 25. The study was conducted in the form of online survey research on the sample of 275 undergraduate students of tourism and hospitality management in 7 universities in Vietnam. Findings: The findings show that all six hypotheses of the study are accepted, and they have a positive impact on Vietnamese tourism students' entrepreneurial intention. Among them, the political environment is the most influential. Research limitations/implications: Despite efforts to standardize the conceptual framework, the complexity of the entrepreneurial environment may have led to incomplete consideration of relevant variables. The study primarily examined the impact of the entrepreneurial environment on intentions, not behaviors or outcomes, leaving room for future research to conduct a more comprehensive examination of the entrepreneurial process. These limitations offer opportunities for future research to enhance understanding of the intricate relationship between the entrepreneurial environment and intentions among tourism students in Vietnam. Originality/value: The research contributes to the understanding of entrepreneurial intentions among Vietnamese tourism students and provides practical insights for educators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. Its focus on the entrepreneurial environment and application of relevant theoretical frameworks position it as a meaningful contribution to the fields of entrepreneurship and tourism education.

Covid-19 impact on future study choices: Will students consider a tourism qualification post the pandemic?

The Covid-19 pandemic devastated various industries, with the tourism sector suffering the most. The tourism industry, which relies mainly on the movement of people, was interrupted for several months as governments instituted restrictions and regulations to prevent further spread of the virus. These restrictions put the industry at a standstill, putting much strain on the economy. With businesses closing, many people became unemployed, and those who remained had their salaries and wages reduced. The high unemployment rate in the country, worsened by Covid-19 and other external forces, presented challenges to exit-level tourism students. The current study investigated the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the future of studying towards a tourism management qualification. A qualitative research approach was adopted where the exit-level tourism students at a university of technology were purposively selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. Thematic and constant comparative analysis methods were used to analyse the emerging themes and compare the responses from the participants. The study revealed mixed feelings about the tourism management course. While others regretted enrolling to the tourism program, some remained optimistic that the industry would reopen and recover and present better opportunities for them. Prospective tourism industry staff, particularly tourism management students, have become uncertain about the likelihood of getting job opportunities in the industry. This raises a question about how the pandemic has influenced the future of studying tourism management in higher learning institutions. The study contributes to the understudied phenomenon of the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on influencing future enrolments in tourism courses.

Unlocking the Potential of Hybrid Learning: Tourism Student Voices in South African Universities of Technology

This article examines the impacts the pandemic learning environment had on student learning and wellness, and how rethinking higher education (HE) design could bolster the improved student well-being. In the wake of Covid-19, academia is searching for some “normalcy” which requires a critical review of the suitability of current structures, as policy design struggles with the possibilities of a hybrid approach to pedagogic delivery. The body of knowledge on blended/hybrid learning design requires the student voice, in cold face experiences of pandemic-induced academic evolution, to get closer to discovering a model that benefits both teaching and learning. The unearthing of possible unrealised disruptions to the learning environment, affecting social, personal and cognitive presence. A sequential explanatory study that included the collection of quantitative survey data, and qualitative focus group interviews was conducted. The census enquiry of tourism management students at three universities of technology in South Africa was concluded online, as per remote learning requirements at the height of the pandemic. Study results indicate that remote learning during the Covid-19 pandemic impacted negatively on student learning and mental health at universities of technology (UOTs) in South Africa. Student data indicated that even through strict pandemic regulations, the university campus life morphed, and did not die. Students gravitated towards parts of the campus considered soothing, with proper internet access, arguing for a holistic, sustainable university architecture that bolsters learning and student support. HE institutions need to further consider the role and design of university architecture for hybrid/blended learning, with a user-focused perspective.

The Impact of Social Media on Hospitality and Tourism Management Students’ Academic Performance

The Impact of Social Media on Hospitality and Tourism Management Students’ Academic Performance

Post-Pandemic Analysis on the Factors Affecting Academic Performance of Tourism and Hospitality Management Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: Basis of an Enhanced Learning Continuity Plan

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General and Committee members declared in 2023 that COVID-19 will no longer constitute a public health emergency (PHEIC). During the pandemic surge in global business, the educational system worldwide, including hospitality education, has been greatly affected by the pandemic crisis. The influence of COVID-19 causes worldwide school closures that have far-reaching implications for students’ short- and long-term growth because of the disruption of teacher and student networks, leading to poor performance. Thus, the study aims to analyze the factors that affect the academic performance of Tourism and Hospitality Management students of Far Eastern University Manila, Philippines, enrolled in the academic year 2020-2021 during the COVID-19 surge. The study used a descriptive survey design using a self-administered survey instrument with 342 respondents. The findings of the study showed that different factors in technology and learning management system (LMS), student’s environment, study area, delivery of academic subjects offered by the teachers, and the assessment used by the school during the distance learning have impacted the academic performance of students as evidence in the decline of Quality Point Average (QPA) on both programs from the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management despite that distance learning is designed to be convenient and easy. The factors influencing academic performance, such as technology and study environment, primarily play a significant and considerable role in how students learn and cope with the distant learning mode. The result of the study will serve as a guide in enhancing the University’s continuity plan for flexible learning options, given the factors that need reinforcement to the scholarly performance of the students. The study can be a benchmarking tool among Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines as a basis to further strengthen their learning strategies relative to flexible teaching and learning modalities, refining the scholarly learning assessment tools as well as sustaining the schools’ continuity framework and achieving the academic goals and aspiration for the success of students and graduates of the HEIs whether in the new normal or the future global crisis.

Awareness and Relevance of Tour Guiding Profession to Hospitality and Tourism Management Students of Iloilo City

Travel and tourism industry is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. It is a multi-billion dollar industry that exists in all parts of the world. As a result, the nature of tour guiding and the skills required by an individual guide can vary widely. In order facilitate these demands it is recognizable that there is a need for tour operators and guides who are thoroughly adept in administrative and social aspects.Hence, it is crucial to train and develop the knowledge and skills of tour guiding to tourism and hospitality management students.The purpose of this study is to determine the awareness and relevance of tour guiding profession to hospitality and tourism management students. The convenience sampling was employed in the selection of the participants of the study. A survey instrument was constructed as the data collection tool. This study utilized the non- parametric test for normality using mean scores, rank, and standard deviations were employed as descriptive statistics; while the Shapiro wilk, Kruskal- Wallis test for independent samples, Spearman Rho, and Mann Whitney, were employed as inferential statistics. The criterion for the acceptance or rejection of the null hypotheses was set at .05 alpha level. The study revealed that most participants assess their awareness level to tour guidingprofession as “highly aware.” Furthermore, a greater number of the participants perceived tour guiding profession as “highly relevant.” The test for normality using Mann- Whitney U Test and Kruskal- Wallis shows that no significant differences existed in their level of awareness and perceived relevance to tour guiding professionwhen they were classified according to sex and degree program pursued. However, positive and significant relationships existed between the participants’ level of awareness and relevance to tour guiding profession when they were taken as a whole and further classified as to sex, age, and degree program pursued, (p= . 000, p=> .05) Therefore, the null hypotheses must be rejected. The study concluded that an increase of awareness has a relationship on the relevance of tour guiding as a profession among hospitality and tourism students.

Impact of Social Influence and Bandwagon Effect in Tourism Students: A Basis for an Action Plan

The researchers explored the influence of social factors, specifically social influence, and the bandwagon effect, on the travel choices of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) students. Utilizing a quantitative approach with a descriptive research design, a self- constructed survey was distributed to BSTM students from Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology. Stratified random sampling was employed, resulting in a sample size of 103 respondents. The study found that social media significantly influences the travel decisions of BSTM students, with many relying on travel-related content on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for inspiration and information. The bandwagon effect also plays a pivotal role in their travel choices, with students often swayed by the popularity and trends associated with certain destinations. However, the study found no significant variations in the impact of social influence and the bandwagon effect across different academic years. Based on these findings, the study proposes a comprehensive action plan to address these influences through awareness campaigns, personalized counseling, stakeholder collaboration, digital education, continuous research, capacity-building initiatives, community engagement, and regular reviews for ongoing optimization.

Analysis of academic research data with the use of ATLAS.ti. Experiences of use in the area of Tourism and Hospitality Administration

Qualitative data analysis in academic research is a challenge. In this context, the use of tools such as ATLAS.ti has emerged as a potential solution to improve the understanding and management of data in the analysis of in-depth interviews. The main objective of the research was to analyze the perspectives of Tourism and Hospitality Management students on the use of ATLAS.ti in the analysis of interviews in qualitative research. The methodology employs a qualitative approach and a descriptive-interpretative design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus groups directed to 40 students of the X cycle who conducted this approach in their research to opt for the bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Administration during the years 2022 and 2023. The findings reveal that the use of ATLAS.ti in qualitative data analysis is highly beneficial, facilitating the coding, organization, and identification of emerging patterns in in-depth interviews. The relevance of its effective use in qualitative analysis is highlighted, improving data management, and understanding of participants' perspectives. It is concluded that it is a valuable and effective tool in this context, although the need for researchers to acquire a deep understanding of the tool and receive adequate training is emphasized. It is suggested that they focus on continuous training in its use and constant practice of its advanced functionalities, especially in areas such as coding and code creation, to achieve a deeper interpretation of qualitative data

Social Media’s Influence on Tourists’ Choice of Destination

Social media are web-based communication platforms that let users communicate and exchange information with one another. It is an online communication network that facilitates online engagement, content sharing, community feedback, and collaboration. This study mainly explores how vital social media is in influencing the tourists’ choice of destination. The study aims to assess tourists’ social media engagement, factors affecting reliance on it for travel planning, its impact on destination choice, the correlation between social media reliance and destination choice, and propose a framework for social media’s influence on destination selection. A quantitative correlational research method was used in this study. Further, the research is a population study where all the respondents were tourism management students of Saint Mary’s University. As for the data collection method, the researchers used survey questionnaires. The results revealed that Facebook is the most popular social media network, and most respondents said they used TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for more than five hours each, while tourists spent less than 1 hour on Pinterest. Additionally, most of the respondents rely on social media to provide them with information about new travel locations. Images of popular tourist sites shared on social media platforms indicate the amount to which social media influences their destination selections. As a result, the two variables had a significant relationship, implying that tourists’ extensive reliance on social media for travel-related information also has a significant impact on the destinations tourists choose. Moreover, as illustrated in the framework created by the researchers, the social media that the respondents utilized, their reliance on social media for travel information, and social media’s influence on decision-making are all interrelated to travel planning.