The Leading Policy of University Tourism Education and Its Social Background

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the practical meaning and the nature of university tourism education. In this examination, the social background of tourism research and education as seen recently in the world is considered. Through this consideration, contemporary issues of tourism research and education can be clarified and then the nature of university tourism education can be brought into relief. Sustainable development of tourism is the trend of the times, and Tourismus als Beruf is the demand of the times. Training for “tourism professionals” to support the development of tourism is the most urgent task of tourism education. This paper regards the nature of university tourism education as education for “tourism professionals”. An important issue of university tourism education is to enhance the “tourism profession”, based on results of tourism research.