In conversation with Keerthana, correspondent at Higher Education Review, Georgette Davey, Managing Director at Glion Institute of Higher Education shares her views on the significance of international exposure in luxury management courses and how has Culinary and Cultural tourism evolved over the last few years. Georgette Davey brings over 30 years of experience in academic leadership and hospitality management. She began her career in education as a professor at University College Suffolk, where she spent eight years delivering courses in hospitality, leisure and tourism.  

What is the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality in the future of hospitality education?

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are poised to play a transformative role in the future of hospitality education. AI can enhance the teaching and learning process by providing personalized and adaptive learning experiences. It can analyze students' strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns to tailor educational content and assessments accordingly. AI-powered chatbots can act as virtual tutors, providing real-time assistance and guidance to students. Moreover, AI can assist in automating administrative tasks, freeing up educators' time for more personalized interactions with students.

Virtual reality offers immersive learning environments that simulate real-world hospitality scenarios. Students can practice customer service, hotel management, or restaurant operations in a safe and controlled virtual setting, allowing for hands-on learning experiences. VR can also facilitate remote collaborations, connecting students and educators across geographical boundaries, and fostering a global learning community.

Overall, these technologies can revolutionize hospitality education by making it more interactive, engaging, and accessible. They offer opportunities for experiential learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving, preparing students for the dynamic and evolving nature of the hospitality industry. By embracing AI and VR, educators can enhance the quality and effectiveness of teaching while empowering students with valuable skills and knowledge for their future careers.

What emerging trends do you anticipate in the field of hospitality education? What role will sustainability and ethical practices play in the future of hospitality education?

In the field of hospitality education, several emerging trends are expected to shape the future:

Sustainability: Sustainability will play a significant role in hospitality education. As the industry faces growing environmental concerns, there will be a greater emphasis on educating students about sustainable practices, green initiatives, and eco-friendly operations. This includes topics such as energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable sourcing, and responsible tourism.

Technology Integration: The integration of technology will continue to be a key trend. Hospitality education will focus on preparing students to leverage emerging technologies like AI, robotics, data analytics, and automation. Students will learn how to utilize technology to enhance guest experiences, optimize operations, and streamline processes.

Personalization and Experiential Learning: There will be a shift towards personalized and experiential learning approaches. Institutions will adopt innovative teaching methods, such as case studies, simulations, virtual reality, and internships, to provide students with hands-on experiences and practical skills. This will enable them to develop a deep understanding of the industry and its challenges.

Cultural Competence and Diversity: Hospitality education will prioritize cultural competence and diversity training. With the industry serving a global clientele, students will be educated on cross-cultural communication, understanding diverse customer needs, and promoting inclusive environments.

How significant is international exposure in Luxury management courses?

International exposure holds immense importance in luxury management courses due to the globalized nature of luxury brands and their diverse clientele. The significance of international exposure can be summarized as follows:

Global Perspective: International exposure offers a broader understanding of luxury markets, trends, and consumer preferences worldwide. It enables students to adapt their strategies to meet international customer demands effectively.

Cultural Understanding: Exposure to different cultures helps students develop cultural sensitivity, allowing them to tailor the marketing, branding, and customer service approaches to specific cultural contexts.

Networking Opportunities: International exposure provides networking opportunities with industry professionals, experts, and peers from diverse backgrounds, opening doors to international career opportunities and collaborations.

Practical Experience: Internships, study tours, and exchange programs abroad provide hands-on experience in luxury businesses, enhancing knowledge of global luxury operations and customer experiences.

Personal Growth: Immersion in diverse cultures fosters personal growth, broadens horizons, improves communication skills, and enhances adaptability—essential qualities in the luxury industry.

 From an Indian context, how has Culinary and Cultural tourism evolved over the last few years?

In the Indian context, culinary and cultural tourism has witnessed significant growth and evolution in recent years. There has been a surge in interest among domestic and international travellers to explore the diverse culinary traditions and cultural heritage of India. Food festivals, culinary tours, and cooking classes have gained popularity, offering immersive experiences in regional cuisines. Additionally, there has been a renewed focus on promoting lesser-known cultural destinations, heritage sites, and indigenous art forms, contributing to the growth of cultural tourism. The government, private sector, and tourism authorities have collaborated to develop specialized itineraries, promote local artisans, and showcase the rich tapestry of Indian culinary and cultural diversity, attracting a growing number of tourists seeking authentic and experiential journeys.

How do you expect the industry to evolve in the days to come?

In the days to come, the hospitality industry is expected to undergo significant evolution. Technology will continue to play a pivotal role, with further integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics. Personalization will be emphasized, as hotels and establishments strive to offer tailored experiences based on individual preferences. Sustainability will be a key focus, with eco-friendly practices, green initiatives, and responsible tourism becoming even more crucial. Additionally, there will be a greater emphasis on health and safety, as the industry adapts to post-pandemic requirements. Collaborations and partnerships between hospitality brands and technology companies will flourish, leading to innovative solutions and enhanced guest experiences. Overall, the industry will continue to innovate and adapt to meet the changing needs and expectations of travellers, providing seamless and memorable hospitality experiences.