20:20 vision - diversity in hospitality and tourism undergraduate education in Australia

It is over 40 years since the first undergraduate programs in hospitality and tourism began to be offered in Australia. The slow growth during the 1980s, was followed by dramatic growth in the 1990s, which, despite predictions, continued into the 21st Century (Breakey and Craig-Smith, 2008). This study investigates the recent changes in Australian hospitality and tourism undergraduate programs, and the institutions offering such programs, focusing on the shifts between 2007 and 2017. Results show that program numbers have reached maturity; consolidation within the tourism-specific programs has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of offerings; 'new' program titles continue to appear within hospitality offerings; and that an increase in offerings by private providers and TAFE has offset the notable drop in offerings by universities. This research is of value to all those involved in the provision of hospitality and tourism education as shifts continue to occur in government policy, both domestic and international demand, and growth in the hospitality and tourism industries.