A strategic framework for analysing employability skills deficits in rural hospitality and tourism destinations

Recently, businesses are shifting towards service economy which is the traditional operational base for the hospitality and tourism industry. Globally, the experience economy is growing but there are very few talents to provide the expected “wow” experience to guests. Therefore, the aims of this paper are from two dimensions: to identify the employability skills deficits in rural hospitality and tourism (RHT), and to develop a framework for employability skills in (RHT) destinations. A critical review of the extant literature on human resource management, employability skills, competencies in hospitality and tourism, meetings, incentive, convention and exhibition were conducted and content analysed. Findings indicate there are 14 employability skills deficits in RHT, and also identified the skills valued most by employers in the hospitality and tourism sector. Contributions to the existing knowledge include the development of a framework for RHT destinations. Implications for the managerial practice and host community are discussed further.