Enhancing Career Competency Of Vocational Tourism Students In Nanjing For AI-Integrated Workplaces: A Theoretical Analysis

Abstract

The rise of smart tourism is reshaping the skill requirements for tourism management students in vocational higher education, placing increasing emphasis on adaptability to technological change. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more embedded in industry practices, it is also transforming the expectations of occupational competence. However, the ways in which AI supports or enhances career readiness remain underexplored. This study develops a conceptual model of AI-enabled career competencies using a theoretical framework, complemented by qualitative interviews to refine and validate the model. Key dimensions emerging from the analysis include AI training, awareness, application, and ethical considerations. Learning ability is identified as a mediating factor, while organizational culture plays a moderating role.
Insights from the interviews offer a grounded view of the opportunities and constraints faced by institutions in embedding AI into tourism education. The study not only extends the understanding of occupational competency from a technological perspective but also highlights practical pathways for improving AI-related curriculum design, strengthening partnerships between universities and industry, and informing educational policy. Future work could build on this foundation using quantitative approaches to test the model’s broader applicability.