The tourism and hospitality industry, recognized by the World Tourism Organization as one of the largest and fastest-growing sectors globally, plays a significant role in employment generation, supporting approximately one in every ten jobs worldwide. As the industry continues to evolve, the demand for well-trained and skilled professionals has made tourism and hospitality education a critical component of its sustainability and growth. Historically rooted in Switzerland and later expanded to countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, hospitality education has maintained a strong vocational orientation, emphasizing industry engagement and practical training. Over time, academic programs have evolved from narrowly defined hotel and catering courses to broader “hospitality” and tourism-focused degrees offered across multiple academic levels globally. In Cyprus, tourism remains a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing approximately 20% to the country’s GDP and attracting over 2.5 million visitors annually. This sustained growth has intensified the need for qualified graduates in the sector. The higher education landscape in Cyprus reflects this demand, with increasing student enrolments, a significant presence of private institutions, and a rising number of international students. Since the establishment of the Higher Hotel Institute of Cyprus in 1965, tourism and hospitality education has expanded considerably, now offered across various higher education institutions. The popularity of business-related disciplines, including tourism and hospitality management, further highlights the sector’s importance. This study underscores the growing relevance of tourism and hospitality education in supporting industry development and sustaining economic competitiveness in Cyprus.
Andreas Michael Christos Demetriou (Thu,) studied this question.