Cultivating Change: The Mediating Roles of Knowledge and Skills in the Relationship between Tourism Education Interventions and Industry Transformation

Abstract

Purpose: In the ever-evolving world of the global tourism sector, the significance of education in moulding a competent and well-informed workforce has been on the rise. Interventions in education impacting various aspects of change in the tourism industry. This research aims to explore the complex relationships among education interventions, knowledge acquisition, skills development, and tourism transformation. Through exploring the mediating roles of knowledge and skills in this connection, the research seeks to offer a detailed comprehension of how education supports sustainable practices, cultural preservation, and the successful integration of digital technologies in the tourism sector. Method: Using a quantitative research design, this study gathered data from a sample of tourist workers in China. Analysed responses of participants were examined to investigate the connections among education interventions, knowledge acquisition, skills development, and tourism transformation. The study employed well-known scales to assess the main variables, and utilised statistical methods, such as mediation analysis, to investigate the mediating functions. Findings: The research findings suggest a strong correlation between tourism education interventions and tourism transformation. Moreover, the research reveals the mediating roles of knowledge acquisition and skills development in this correlation, emphasising the broad impact of education on various aspects of change in the tourism industry. Implications for Research and Practice: This study fills gaps in current literature and provides a comprehensive perspective on the relationships being studied. The study is notable for its thorough examination, which encompasses not just the immediate effects of education interventions but also the intermediary functions of knowledge and skills. The study's results have significant implications for policymakers, educators, and industry professionals. They highlight the importance of prioritising education to drive positive developments in sustainability, cultural preservation, and technology integration in the global tourism sector.