Training hotels in Asia : an exploration of alternative models

Abstract

This paper documents the application of business approaches or models by six Asian universities and other hospitality education providers through their ownership and/or operation of training hotels. It contributes to knowledge by exploring how training hotels balance experiential student learning and teaching with business operations. The researchers collected web-based information about the operational practices of the six hotels and also examined guest reviews in recognition of the influence of social media on business success. Five assessment criteria were used to evaluate the respective operations. The paper contributes to practice by suggesting that prospective training hotels should carefully assess business and pedagogical concerns and consider guest reviews as a measure of market responsiveness.