BRIDGING THE SKILLS GAP IN TOURISM EDUCATION: PERSPECTIVES FROM UNIVERSITIES AND INDUSTRY IN CENTRAL ASIA

Abstract

The tourism industry in Central Asia is undergoing rapid transformation driven by globalization, digitalization, and changing labor market demands. These developments have intensified concerns regarding the mismatch between the competencies developed in higher education institutions and the skills required by the tourism industry. This study investigates the existing skills gap in tourism education by examining the perspectives of both universities and industry stakeholders in Central Asia. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining survey data and semi-structured interviews with tourism educators and industry professionals. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to identify key differences between expected and provided competencies. The findings reveal a significant gap in several areas, particularly in digital literacy, foreign language proficiency, practical experience, and problem-solving skills. Industry representatives emphasize the need for work-ready graduates with strong communication abilities and operational competencies, while universities continue to prioritize theoretical and academic knowledge. The results further indicate weak collaboration between higher education institutions and tourism enterprises, which limits curriculum relevance and practical training opportunities. The study concludes that bridging the skills gap requires stronger university–industry cooperation, curriculum modernization, and greater emphasis on experiential and competency-based learning. The integration of digital skills and soft skills into tourism education is essential for improving graduate employability and aligning education outcomes with industry needs. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on tourism education by providing empirical evidence from Central Asia, a region that remains underexplored in previous studies. It offers practical recommendations for policymakers, universities, and industry stakeholders aimed at improving the alignment between education and labor market requirements.