Factors Affecting the Development of Target Competencies Among Final-Year Tourism and Hospitality Students in Egypt

Abstract

This research investigates the contribution of each dimension in the educational process to the development of target competencies that tourism and hospitality employers seek in graduates. Using a sample of 506 senior students in 7 public universities, and using structural equation modeling, we found that 5 out of 8 dimensions in the educational process significantly affect the development of target competencies. In turn, these target competencies significantly affect the ability of students to get a job in the tourism and hospitality market. It was found that staff members, teaching methods, and facilities provided to support the teaching process are still below students’ expectations. This study is useful for policymakers who wish to do their best to improve the quality of tourism higher education in Egypt and increase its competitiveness.

Keywords:

• tourism and hospitality
• higher education
• competencies
• educational process
• Egypt