Integration of critical digital technologies into hospitality and tourism curricula: evidence from QS-ranked universities

Purpose This study aims to investigate the extent to which critical established and emerging digital technologies (DTs) are integrated into hospitality and tourism (H&T) management degrees and into different types of H&T management subjects, as well as the sufficiency of this integration, and any integration improvement opportunities. Design/methodology/approach The authors undertook quantitative content analysis of the online curricula artifacts of 133 H&T degrees and 748 H&T subjects. The online curricula artifacts included online subject descriptions, subject learning aims and learning outcomes, subject topic content and subject assessment information. Findings The authors found that, while industry and business function-specific software systems/applications are well integrated into H&T curricula, most critical established DTs are rarely integrated, and integration of critical emerging DTs is alarmingly low. Originality/value The authors provide empirical evidence of current critical DTs integration strengths and shortcomings and suggest integration improvement strategies.