Integration of Emerging Technologies in Tourism and Hospitality Curriculum: an International Perspective

Abstract

This paper investigates the status of emerging technologies, how they can be integrated into the curriculum, the skills students can acquire through these technologies, and the employment opportunities they create in the tourism and hospitality industry. In the study, a content analysis was conducted on the curriculum of 65 undergraduate tourism and hospitality management programs, followed by an analysis of data from 28 academics to explore the role of emerging technologies in the curriculum. We have observed six core topics. Technology courses had the lowest proportion. We further observe four categories of skills that emerging technologies may provide students, highlighting their potential to shape future career opportunities. Building on these findings, the current study contributes to the literature by linking these skill sets - digital and technological, theoretical, operational, and managerial - to emerging job roles such as virtual reality tour designers, competent tourism developers, and AI-driven marketing specialists. Furthermore, the study identifies the domains where emerging technologies have the most relevance and outlines which purpose they may be included in the tourism and hospitality curriculum as a course. Thus, it forwards previous studies emphasizing the importance of emerging technologies. The study also suggests the implications for the literature, practice, and public policies.