Digital Employer Engagement and Learning for Hospitality and Tourism Under Pandemic and Other Crisis Situation
摘要
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the hospitality and tourism industries, necessitating rapid adaptation to unprecedented challenges. This study explores the role of digital employer engagement and learning in ensuring the resilience and continuity of hospitality and tourism businesses during crises. Additionally, the study examines the integration of digital tools in an electronic platform to maintain academic institution–student engagement, facilitate continuous learning, and upskill the workforce in response to evolving industry demands. The focus group formation aimed to gain information mainly on the needs, areas, and forms of collaboration between the HTI and the HEIs through a digital platform. The research highlights the analysis of focus groups with tourism industry professionals in Latvia, Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, and Spain, with the results providing insight on the creation of an online platform of communication. The platform brings together students, academics, and industry professionals in an interactive approach to managing opportunities for the industry.