Transforming tourism education: Exploring the impact of activity-based learning
Dinesh Dhankhar, Vivek Gaur, Rahul Sheokand and Yogesh Dahiya
The rapid advancements in science and technology have significantly transformed various industries, including tourism and hospitality. As a result, there is a growing need for skilled personnel in the tourism sector who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical, hands-on experience. Tourism and hospitality management is increasingly recognized as a vital educational field that prepares individuals to navigate the dynamic and competitive business environment of the tourism industry. Courses in tourism education, such as Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management (BTTM) and Master of Tourism and Travel Management (MTTM), are designed to equip students with insights into tourism economics, business management, market dynamics, and relevant legislation. However, with the rapid expansion of the Indian economy, it is essential that tourism education incorporates activity-based learning (ABL) to ensure students develop practical skills necessary for success in the field. This study investigates the perceptions of tourism management students at Kurukshetra University regarding the effectiveness of ABL in tourism education. A total of 80 students, including BTTM, MTTM, and Ph.D. scholars, were surveyed to assess their views on the importance and performance of various learning methods. The study aimed to identify the gaps between students’ expectations of activity-based learning and the current performance of these methods within the curriculum. Findings reveal that while students highly value experiential learning methods, such as field visits, role play, and industry engagement, there are significant gaps in the implementation and effectiveness of these activities within the current educational framework. The results highlight the need for restructuring tourism education to better integrate activity-based learning approaches. This includes increasing industry collaborations, enhancing practical components, and refining course content to better align with the evolving demands of the global tourism industry. The findings underscore the importance of developing a well-rounded curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on, practical experiences, ultimately preparing students for successful careers in tourism management.