Perceptual differences in core competencies between tourism industry practitioners and students using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)

This study aims to investigate the perceptual differences in core competencies of tourism graduates between the main stakeholders in higher education; namely, industry practitioners and students in Korea employing Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The results show that both groups emphasize core competencies in common, including a considerate attitude, communication ability, integrated thinking ability, language ability, and a goal-orientated disposition. However, there are different perceptions regarding the relative importance among competencies. The results reflect insights into the amount of consideration that needs to be given to bolster competency-based tourism education in an effort to prepare students in developing both job-specific and generic skills.