Destination China: Students' and graduates' reflections on attributes needed by Chinese graduates of Australian tourism and hospitality degrees

Abstract

This exploratory study is part of a broader research project which examines diverse stakeholders' reflections about the attributes needed by Chinese graduates with an Australian degree entering the Chinese hotel industry. Furthermore, it investigates the university's contribution to the development of these skills. The study will present preliminary findings of semi-structured interviews with both Chinese international students enrolled in Australian tourism and hospitality degrees and those who have graduated with such degrees and now work in the Chinese hotel industry.

The theoretical framework of the research is interpretive with a social constructionist epistemology. The insights drawn from this study will contribute to the development of an indepth understanding of the reflections of the two stakeholder groups. It is envisaged that the research will contribute to policy and curriculum development as well as recommendations for university-industry collaboration in Australia and China.