Abstract
This practical report examines academia-industry collaborations’ (AICs) importance in the field of hospitality and tourism (H&T) education. Experiential learning via AICs offers substantial benefits to academia and industry, notably bridging the gap between educational offerings and industry needs. This report outlines a collaborative project conducted as part of the Hospitality Management Program at Kansai Gaidai University that aims to empower students with practical insights. The key factors essential for successful AICs are highlighted as follows: From an academic perspective, success hinges on Dedication, Flexibility in curriculum design, and the production of tangible Outputs post-project. However, industry partners must ensure Accessibility, engage in Effective Communication with their academic counterparts, and demonstrate Commitment and Trust throughout the project. These factors contribute to the overall success of academia-industry projects and long-term relationship building despite the challenges encountered along the way. This report shares insights into making AICs in H&T education more effective. It seeks to encourage and support collaboration in the field, ultimately providing students with a realistic view of the industry before they enter the workforce. Further research is required to explore industry partners’ perspectives on collaborative projects.
https://ror.org/05t0s7273 
