Charting the Course in the Digital Transformation: Navigating the Intersection of the Hospitality Industry and Education

The hospitality industry faces ever-evolving challenges and revolutions in the digital era. This study explores how the extensive incorporation of new technology necessitates specific transformations in practices within the hospitality industry. It further examines the desired competencies that educators should focus on in their hospitality curriculum design. By conducting semi-structured interviews with 17 hotel executive managers residing in Macao, guided by TTF theory, the study proposed a holistic framework for hospitality curriculum design in the digital era by considering the alignment of technology integration and desired competencies in the hospitality industry. The results suggest that courses that can enhance students’ soft competencies should be retained, while courses that can cultivate advanced communication skills should be strengthened; it further highlights subjects related to data analytics, strategic decision-making, and AI applications should be added to the curriculum. Theoretical and practical contributions were discussed.