THE ALIGNMENT OF HOSPITALITY EDUCATION WITH INDUSTRY NEEDS IN TRANSITIONAL COUNTRIES: THE CASE OF CROATIA

This paper presents the results of research which sought to explore to what extent tertiary hospitality programs in Croatia are in alignment with the needs of the hospitality industry. Two specific areas were explored: which skills and competencies are most important for entry-level positions and in which area(s) were the most significant gaps perceived between what the company needed and what was available on the labor market. Research consisted of a survey completed by 49 respondents employed in management positions within the Croatian hospitality industry. Results indicated that guest-focused skills and competencies were most in need of improvement.