Significance of Linkages with Hospitality and Tourism Organizations to BSHM Students at Bestlink College of the Philippines

Vol.3, No.1B

Abstract

This research study aims to determine the importance of linkages between hospitality and tourism organizations and BSHM students at Bestlink College of the Philippines. The hospitality industry is closely linked to at least 12 other industries, including accommodation, food and beverage, travel and transportation, tourism, event management, recreation, entertainment, technology, medical, cruise, and casinos. The study used a case study methodology, a focus group approach, and an organizational information processing theory perspective to investigate the importance of linkages and how various hospitality firm linkages affect tourism innovation. The findings reveal that hospitality firms have four main forms of linkages, and they have differentiated impacts on the students taking up Hospitality Management. Intracompany linkages benefit institutional, managerial, and product innovations, especially for the Hospitality and Tourism Program students. Both intercompany and intra-sectoral linkages encourage marketing and product innovations.

In contrast, inter-sectoral linkages facilitate not only process innovation and product innovation but also provide opportunities for students to gain knowledge in the field, develop their skills, and have sustainable networks. The researchers used exploratory research design, interviews, and purposive sampling as the sampling technique. The study fills a research gap in the knowledge of firm-based innovative linkages and explores the importance of linkages between hospitality, tourism services, and tourism manufacturing.