Impact of Educational Tours on the Learning and Professional Development of Hospitality Management Students

Abstract

Educational tours play an important part in enhancing students' learning experiences by providing hands-on exposure to real-world applications of academic concepts. This study explores how educational tours influence the learning and professional growth of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management (BSHM) students at a state university in Bohol. Using a descriptive-evaluative research design, the researchers collected responses from 62 students who participated in the 2024–2025 educational tour. Data were collected through a validated survey and analyzed using frequency distributions, percentages, weighted means, and thematic analysis. The results showed that educational tours were “very impactful” in enhancing students’ learning outcomes (WM=3.82), knowledge retention (WM=3.77), and professional development (WM=3.80). Students shared that their tour experiences deepened their understanding of hospitality concepts, improved their practical and communication skills, and strengthened their readiness for real-world industry work. They also demonstrated better recall of customer service principles, hygiene practices, and operational standards. However, the findings suggest that applying theoretical knowledge and problem-solving in actual settings still needs more focus. The study concludes that educational tours play a vital role in bridging classroom learning with real-life experiences, helping students think critically, adapt easily, and build confidence in their future careers. The study suggests enhancing how educational tours are planned, better preparing faculty members, and building stronger partnerships with the hospitality industry so students can gain more meaningful, real-world experiences that help them become confident, career-ready professionals.