The role of quality in curriculum planning for tourism and hospitality education

This paper introduces the twin concepts of quality management and curriculum planning as the foundations for the emergence of a new paradigm in tourism and hospitality education. The stance taken in the paper is based upon the authors' perception of international trends in tourism and hospitality education in both the developed and developing world. It also reflects work being undertaken by the authors with the World Tourism Organisation' education and training unit. In particular the paper aims to act as a stimulus for a dialogue on the educational issues involved in the delivery of tourism and hospitality programmes. Indeed, as we move into the next Millennium the principle of tourism and hospitality education will remain to educate and train future generations of employees in the sector as well as perhaps to educate the consumer. Yet the process by which this principle is achieved is changing as attention is paid to efficiency and quality in the field.