Elevating English Proficiency via ChatGPT-Assisted Learning in Tourism and Hospitality Education: Unpacking the Roles of Self-Regulated Learning and Intrinsic Motivation

This study investigates the association between ChatGPT use for learning and Tourism English proficiency among hospitality and tourism students at Egyptian public universities, examining self-regulated learning (SRL) and intrinsic motivation (SIM) as mediating mechanisms. A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted, with online survey data collected from 795 students across nine public universities. All participants reported using ChatGPT for English-language learning. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to assess the measurement and structural models, including construct reliability, validity, and common method bias. The results indicate that ChatGPT use is positively associated with perceived communicative proficiency in Tourism English, SRL, and intrinsic motivation. Both SRL and SIM partially mediate the relationship between ChatGPT use and perceived communicative proficiency. These findings underscore the potential of generative AI to support autonomous learning and intrinsic motivation in Tourism English education. However, proficiency was self-reported and therefore reflects perceived rather than objectively demonstrated competence.