Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management

Lesotho Students Career Perceptions in Tourism and Hospitality Industry
Dr. Regina M. Thetsane, Dr. Motšelisi C. Mokhethi, Mr. Mpheteli J. Malunga, Prof. Tiisetso Makatjane

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the career perceptions of students currently studying a Diploma in tourism, hospitality and hotel management in Lesotho and to identify if differences occur in the perceptions of students at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and Integrated Business Consultants College.A non-probability judgmental sampling was used and the sample was representative of the population of student‟s years 1, 2 and 3 at Lerotholi Polytechnic College, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology and Integrated Business Consultants College. A number of factors considered to be very important when choosing a career in tourism and hospitality management were revealed where the main one was the pleasant experience of meeting new people in tourism industry. There were some noticeable differences between the views of the students in the two institutions compared. Integrated Business Consultants College students perceived tourism career more positively than Limkokwing University of Creative Technology. A collaborative effort between Higher Learning Institutions, Vocational Education Training and the government is required to improve the working conditions in the tourism industry and to enhance the attractiveness of the industry to current and future tourism students.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jthm.v8n1a1