Hospitality and tourism (H&T) education is at critical crossroads, balancing enduring academic traditions and the demands of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven industry. This paper critically examines these tensions, particularly the balance between responsiveness to industry needs and preserving academic rigour, critical thinking and scholarly independence. Drawing on insights from the webinar Rethinking Hospitality and Tourism Education: Disruptors and Transformations and input from the authors of the book, this paper explores key questions on urgent disruptions to conventional H&T education, the reimagining of credentials, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in learning environments, innovative assessment models and the ultimate purpose of H&T education. While embracing necessary transformations, this paper cautions against over-alignment with industry imperatives and advocates for a reimagined H&T education model grounded in ethical responsibility, intellectual depth and broader societal relevance. Ultimately, it positions H&T education both as a site of professional preparation and a critical, reflexive and transformative public good.
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