Digital transformation of the tourism industry as a factor in modernizing the professional training of future tourism specialists

Abstract

The article is devoted to substantiating the digital transformation of the tourism industry as a key factor in modernizing the professional training of future tourism specialists and identifying strategic directions for updating educational content in accordance with the requirements of Tourism 4.0 and the digital economy. The main tasks of the article include summarizing the impact of digitalization on the tourism industry and the system of personnel training; identifying changes in the structure of professional competencies under the influence of the digital labor market; analyzing modern pedagogical approaches to the formation of digital competencies; and substantiating the role of industry–academia partnership in ensuring practice-oriented education. Aim. To determine the impact of digitalization of the tourism industry on the transformation of professional training and to outline effective approaches to the development of modern competencies of specialists. Methods. The study applies analysis, synthesis, and generalization of scientific sources, as well as systemic and comparative analysis of trends in Tourism 4.0 development, digitalization of education, and labor market transformation. Results. It has been established that the digital transformation of the tourism industry leads to changing requirements for workforce training and the transition to the "Employee 4.0" model, which involves the development of deep digital literacy, analytical thinking, the ability to work with innovative technologies, and lifelong learning. The effectiveness of implementing problem-based learning, immersive technologies, gamification, and Living Labs as tools for developing practical and digital competencies has been substantiated. It has been proven that industry–academia partnership ensures the alignment of educational programs with labor market needs and enhances the practical orientation of training. Conclusions. Digital transformation acts as a system-forming factor in the modernization of professional training of tourism specialists. Its effectiveness is ensured through the integration of digital technologies, innovative pedagogical approaches, and cooperation between education and industry. Prospects for further research are related to the development of tools for assessing the effectiveness of digital educational solutions and their impact on graduates' competitiveness.