The Analysis of IT Competences in the Hospitality Related Study Programs in the Republic of Serbia

Abstract

Following the trends of modern tourism development and the expansion and adoption of new technologies, the hospitality industry is constantly improving its service, which is most commonly based on information technologies. The stated situation is noticeable in the two main segments of the hospitality industry – the hotel and restaurant industry and in most activities carried out before, during, and after the guest’s stay. Depending on the tasks performed, human resources in the hospitality industry must have adequate competencies to use the available IT. Thus, their adequate education is necessary. The subject of this paper is the analysis of IT competencies in the hospitality-related study programs in the Republic of Serbia. The aim is to determine the presence of IT courses (compulsory/elective) in hospitality study programs implemented at institutions of higher education in the Republic of Serbia. The study programs were analyzed according to the type and level of study and ownership type of the institutions that implement them. Study programs accredited during or after 2017, whose name directly refers to the hospitality industry, were included in the analysis.