Abstract:

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented changes in the hospitality and tourism sector. These changes include automation of different activities and transformation of traditional jobs because of digitalization. The emerging problem in the “new normal” is how to close the gap between the skills required in a post-pandemic world and those provided by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Bridging the gap between professional studies and employment has always been a concern, primarily because employers consider that HEIs do not match industry requirements. Different actions can be taken, such as exposing students to actual working environments, tools, and techniques in training centers.

This paper analyzes the most relevant trends that will emerge in terms of employment in the sector and the skills that will be required to work successfully in a context that has become more digitalized, automated, and robotized. Among the relevant skills are not only those directed to the understanding and use of the new work-related tools, but also design, programming, and cybersecurity skills, which traditional educational programs have not been targeting thoroughly.

Keywords:

Employment trends, hospitality and tourism, gap, Higher Education, digitalization.