Getting IT right: exploring information technology in the hospitality curriculum

Purpose – The paper reports on a research project undertaken for the North West Tourism Skills Network. Design/methodology/approach – The project explored the provision of information technology within hospitality and tourism programmes in educational institutions in the region. Researchers conducted telephone interviews with key specialist staff in 80 per cent of the schools, colleges and universities delivering programmes for introductory, operational and managerial programmes. Findings – Findings suggest that IT provision occurs in all programmes and can now be considered as a core basic skill along with literacy and numeracy. Provision was generally applied to the industry and the specific requirements of the programme. There were several examples of excellent educational practice. However, some smaller colleges and sixth-form college providers found the high purchase price of industry software a barrier to on-site resources. That said, many ensured familiarity with industry software through industry partnerships and industrial visits. Practical implications – While research gathered responses from 85 per cent of hospitality and tourism providers in the North West region, the study needs to be replicated nationally because these interviews suggest that information technology skill development is a key requirement for those destined to work in hospitality and tourism occupations.