This study examines the effectiveness of Work-Integrated Learning (W.I.L.)-based internships in the tourism sector, focusing on how well these programs prepare students for employment by bridging the gap between academic learning and industry needs. Using qualitative research methods, including focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews, data were collected from tourism industry stakeholders, recent graduates, and internship coordinators. The findings reveal that while internships contribute significantly to developing essential skills such as customer service, communication, and problem-solving, there are still notable gaps in students’ preparedness for emerging demands, particularly in digital literacy and sustainable tourism practices. Industry stakeholders emphasised the importance of aligning academic curricula with practical skill requirements, highlighting the need for more collaboration between educational institutions and businesses to ensure that internships provide meaningful learning experiences. Furthermore, the study found that students who participated in WIL-based internships felt more confident and employable; however, inconsistent internship quality and the tendency for some placements to focus on menial tasks were areas of concern. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing W.I.L. programs in tourism education by recommending closer academia-industry partnerships to improve the alignment between theoretical learning and practical application, thereby ensuring that graduates are equipped to meet the dynamic challenges of the tourism sector.