Academic Deans across Swiss Education Groups have shared some key insights into the present and future of hospitality education from campuses across switzerland. Some of these fundamental components include (1) attention to detail and personalisation of service (2) hospitality education to take responsibility for innovation (3) wellbeing of hospitality and hospitality of wellbeing (4) student-centered learning (5) transferability and employability.
As we transition into the digital era, it has become increasingly important for individuals to have their needs met in a personalised manner. Through the support of industry partnerships, students are now able to tailor and resolve challenges to make certain that all guests are appreciative of the service rendered according to their needs.
Education is the foundation for economic and social growth. The knowledge acquired by hospitality students in school will determine who they emerge as individuals and their contribution to culture and society as citizens of this world. Hence, it is crucial for hospitality education to take responsibility of innovation. Education teaches students how to resolve challenges and collaborate, and teach global perspectives through curriculum innovations.
Further, with reference to the Global Wealth Institute, wellness tourism is growing at a steady rate in comparison to overall tourism as more consumers seek greater wellness and integrates this intention into their travels. Hence, the 2018 curriculum will place emphasis on furnishing students with ample knowledge of the fundamental areas of health, wellbeing and lifestyle in connection with the global economy, nutrition, innovation, corporate health and wellness resorts, culinary tourism and the ethical setting in which organisations must operate.
In 2018 there is an observed trend where students seek to learn when they want and how they want. Combined with the increasing demand from the hospitality industry to recruit graduates with highly developed set of transferable skills, institutions will be further challenged to design flexible learning environments while providing a student oriented setting with a touch of personalisation. The most successful hospitality business schools will be those that innovate in their delivery models and effectively personalise education to fit the needs of each student.
Hospitality is about working with people, creating special moments, exceptional memories and sharing special occasions. Hence, the curriculum now concentrates on soft skills and cultural studies to prepare students for jobs across industries around the world. Values and soft skills are increasingly essential due to the advancement of AI and automation as those what make us unique. Therefore, it is the responsibility of educational institutions to make certain that students are prepared for the future workforce.
Source: Swiss Education
Participate in the upcoming QS Subject Focus Summit – “The Way Forward: Hospitality and Tourism Education Convergence with Industry 4.0” which will be held from 5-7 December 2018 in Kuching, Malaysia.