BRIDGING THE GAP: AN ASSESSMENT OF THE DISCREPANCY BETWEEN TOURISM EDUCATION AND INDUSTRY DEMANDS FOR ENHANCED CAREER PREPAREDNESS

Abstract

This study critically examines the disconnect between tourism education and industry requirements, emphasizing its impact on the career preparedness of graduates. Adopting a descriptive research approach, the study analyzes data from 31 graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management program at Bestlink College of the Philippines. Grounded in Human Capital Theory, the research assesses how effectively the current academic curriculum cultivates the essential skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to meet the dynamic expectations of the tourism sector and ensure graduate employability. This study adopts a descriptive research design to examine the perspectives of 31 graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management program at Bestlink College of the Philippines. Data were gathered through structured surveys aimed at assessing their current job roles, the relevance and applicability of their academic training, and areas where they felt inadequately prepared. The research specifically investigates the extent to which the program’s curriculum aligns with the evolving demands of the tourism industry, highlighting gaps that may affect the graduates' career readiness and professional success. The study reveals that graduates predominantly occupy entry-level positions such as hotel staff, front desk associates, and concierge personnel, indicating constrained career advancement opportunities within the tourism sector. Respondents underscored the critical role of integrating industry-relevant training into the academic curriculum, particularly through structured internships, real-world immersion, and experiential fieldwork. Despite these insights, significant skill deficiencies emerged, most notably in communication, multilingual fluency, and professional demeanor. Furthermore, the findings point to the necessity of enhancing students’ adaptability, leadership capabilities, and digital proficiency in travel and tourism technologies to align more effectively with the evolving expectations of the industry. The study concludes that while existing tourism education programs provide a solid foundation, significant gaps remain in equipping graduates with the skills and competencies required to meet the dynamic and evolving needs of the tourism industry. Addressing these shortcomings calls for a holistic curriculum reform that prioritizes stronger collaboration between academic institutions and industry stakeholders. Key recommendations include the integration of hands-on learning experiences such as internships and fieldwork, skill enhancement workshops, the incorporation of emerging travel technologies, and targeted training in communication, multilingual proficiency, and professional grooming. To support these efforts, the proposed Tourism Education–Industry Alignment Program aims to build sustainable partnerships, deliver tailored training modules, and promote continuous innovation in curriculum design. This initiative aspires to produce career-ready tourism graduates, globally competitive, and capable of adapting to the fast-changing landscape of the tourism sector.