Back to Volume
Download PDFOpen PDF
Not Peer Reviewed

Transforming tourism education: four years of innovation at the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL)

Type of paper: Industry Point of View

Author

Isabelle Frank

Affiliation: École d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg, Diekirch, Luxembourg

Email: isabelle.frank@education.lu

Published:December 15, 2025
Download PDF

How to Cite

Frank, I. (2025). Transforming tourism education: four years of innovation at the École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL). CACTUS - Journal of Tourism Business, Management and Economics, 7 (2). doi.org/10.24818/CTS/7/2025/2.12

Based on the official APA guide. Review the full set of examples.

© 2025 The Author(s);

Licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

Abstract

For over twenty years, the École d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL) has placed tourism at the heart of its institutional identity. In the wake of COVID-19, the tourism sector has experienced structural changes, with greater emphasis on artificial intelligence, local immersion, and social inclusion. In response, EHTL has redesigned its tourism programme to meet evolving market needs while maintaining educational quality and employability. The revised curriculum features historical and cultural literacy, integration of digital tools and AI, sustainability-focused storytelling, and a shift from passive observation to active local engagement. Excellence in hospitality remains a core component. A rigorous methodological framework guided curriculum development, including professional consultation, literature review, participation in industry events, and reflective pedagogical practice. Outcomes include a region-specific curriculum for EMHTR in Cotonou, Benin, aligned with global standards, and the planned launch of a new BTS in Tourism and Communication. This curriculum fosters immersive, digitally enhanced learning and incorporates communication strategies to support meaningful, inclusive tourism. EHTL thus distinguishes itself as a leader in tourism education innovation.

Keywords

curriculum, tourism, communication, resilience, think tank

JEL Classification

I21, L83, Z32, Z39

References

Antoniou, K. (2023). Tourism as a form of international relations: Insights from contemporary practice. Edward Elgar Publishing. https://www.eelgar.com/shop/gbp/tourism-as-a-form-of-international-relations-9781802207767.html

Blanchet, C., & Luczak-Rougeaux, J. (2022). Dictionnaire tourisme et numérique. Éditions L’Harmattan. https://www.editions-harmattan.fr/catalogue/livre/dictionnaire-tourisme-etnumerique/2856

Camera di Commercio Italo-Lussemburghese. (2024). Training session ENFORCE on regenerative tourism (EHTL). https://www.ccilux.eu/

Cholat, F., Gwiadzinski, L., Tritz, C., & Tuppen, J. (2018). Tourisme(s) et adaptation(s). Elya Éditions. https://shs.hal.science/halshs-02090507v1

Costa, M. (2022). FuTurismo: Un accorato appello contro la monocultura turistica (2nd ed.). Raetia.

Edelheim, J., Joppe, M., & Flaherty, J. (Eds.). (2022). Teaching tourism: Innovative, values-based learning experiences for transformative practices. Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781800374560

Font, X. (2024, December 10). How to market and communicate your authenticity and sustainability [Workshop]. Luxembourg City Tourist Office, Luxembourg. https://greenbusinessevents.lu/en/event/sustainability-workshop-with-prof-xavier-font/

Gravari-Barbas, M., & Jacquot, S. (Eds.). (2024). Patrimondialisations: La fabrique touristique globale du patrimoine. Presses Universitaires de Rennes.

Gravari-Barbas, M., & Renard-Delautre, C. (2015). Starchitecture(s): Figures d’architectes et espace urbain / Celebrity architects and urban space. L’Harmattan. https://journals.openedition.org/cybergeo/27856

Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. Paulist Press.

Kissinger, H., Schmidt, E., & Huttenlocher, D. (2024). The age of AI and our human future. John Murray.

Knafou, R. (Ed.). (2012). Lieux du voyage. Le Cavalier Bleu Éditions.

Valeri, M. (Ed.). (2023). Tourism innovation in the digital era: Big data, AI and technological transformation. Emerald Publishing Limited. https://doi.org/10.1108/9781837971664