Tourism Education and Entrepreneurship Readiness: A Comparative Content Analysis of Syllabi in Kerala and Karnataka
Keywords:
Tourism Entrepreneurship Education, Praxis, Directed Qualitative Content Analysis, Competency-Based Education (CBE), Syllabus AnalysisAbstract
The increasing demands for entrepreneurial competencies in tourism are leading to calls for the transformation of the curriculum within higher education. This research assesses the degree to which tourism higher education programs in Kerala and Karnataka incorporate both competency-based learning and entrepreneurship readiness through examining the presence of digital competences, experiential learning, skill development and entrepreneurial orientation. Eight university curricula – four from Kerala and four from Karnataka – have been examined using a directed qualitative content analysis approach to identify regional disparities and examine conformity to UNWTO competency standards and NEP 2020 directives. Results suggest that the Universities of Karnataka have shown greater levels of incorporation of skills-based learning and structured practical elements when compared to the Programs in Universities of Kerala where the majority of programs were found to be theoretical with minimal operationalization of entrepreneurial elements. Although most of the programs included soft skills, significant gaps were identified in terms of digital training, innovative practices, and experiential entrepreneurship education. This study has demonstrated that there is a requirement for curriculum reform aligned to UNWTO competency standards and NEP 2020. This research also contributes to tourism education literature through providing a comparative framework and action-oriented suggestions for enhancing entrepreneurial preparedness.
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