Developing a core competency model for hospitality management education: An innovation-driven approach in China

This study aims to develop a core competency model for hospitality management education in China, emphasizing an innovation-driven approach to align vocational curricula with the hospitality industry’s evolving demands, driven by technological advancements and cultural tourism growth. A literature review identified 47 indicators, refined to 30 through a Delphi process involving 10 experts, including academics and industry professionals. Data from 300 people, including students, teachers, and hotel managers from six different vocational colleges across Jiangsu, Anhui, and Henan. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used revealing six key dimensions: career foundation skills, digital technology application, operations management and leadership, professional ethics and compliance, cultural service capabilities, and lifelong learning and career development. This model integrates technical, managerial, and cultural competencies, adapts to industry innovation trends, and serves as a reference framework for Chinese hospitality management education explaining 88.096% of the variance. It informs curriculum reforms, incorporating digital tools and cross-cultural training, enhancing graduate employability and vocational education quality. The model fosters workforce resilience and economic growth by bridging the education-industry gap applicable across Asia-Pacific vocational contexts.