PERCEPCIONES DEL SECTOR EMPRESARIAL SOBRE LA EDUCACIÓN DE HOTELERÍA, GASTRONOMÍA Y TURISMO EN EL ECUADOR

This article reports on a study that was conducted among hotel management, gastronomy and tourism industry managers and executives of the three main cities of Ecuador to determine their perceptions about hospitality and tourism higher education. By means of several group interviews the study investigated what executives and managers in Cuenca, Guayaquil and Quito thoughtabout: the value of academic degrees, the importance and the format of internships, the contents of programs of study, the relationship between industry and academia and the profile of an ideal graduate. Even though differences of opinion existed, executives identified a strong service orientation, work experience, strong technical skills and an excellent control of the English language as essential components in a graduate’s profile. Participants were outspoken about the value of university degree and about the contents of academic programs, identified several shortcomings in present-day academic offerings and offered valuable suggestions