AHLEI Modernizes Hospitality and Tourism Management Education Curriculum

Orlando (April 6, 2021) – Today, the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) released a modernized version of its Hospitality and Tourism Management (HTM) education curriculum. Designed for use in high schools, the second edition textbook includes significant changes to meet the needs of secondary-level programs and provide a more engaging preparation for students considering a career in hospitality.

“We are committed to proving the best education possible to every student who is interested in the career opportunities and advancements available in the hospitality and tourism industry,” said Sherman Brown, executive vice president, Training and Certification for the National Restaurant Association. “The focus on industry-specific knowledge and skills integrated in this update will ensure that students completing the course are workforce ready or have the foundation to put them ahead in higher education.”

The HTM course continues to introduce high school students to the main segments of the hospitality industry: lodging, food and beverage operations, tourism, attractions and travel, and event management. The new edition combines operational and managerial topics to provide students with exposure to both the fundamental concepts and the more advanced skills associated with leadership positions in the industry. The updated lessons integrate fundamental key themes throughout, including:

• Career Readiness Skills - This edition helps students develop skills like problem solving, accountability, teamwork, and communication in the context of a hospitality workplace. Students have the opportunity to develop these skills through activities and examples interwoven throughout the text and ancillaries.
• Hospitality as a Business - The new edition focuses on the concrete knowledge and skills needed to maintain success within the hospitality industry. Detailed examples are provided throughout the text to showcase how hotels are implementing best practices using innovative and creative methods.
• Math Principles - Additional cross-curricular connections to STEM and Language Arts are found throughout the second edition, which give students the opportunity to learn key formulas and calculations used every day by hospitality professionals.

“The hospitality industry is a major driver of this country’s economy and our greatest resource is our workforce. As the industry begins to recover from the pandemic and millions of jobs need to be filled, we believe that the HTM will set up its students to step into those positions now and well into the future,” said Brown.

The HTM curriculum was developed with insights from academic and industry professionals and experts. The product suite includes student and teacher textbooks or ebooks; student activity books; and teacher resources. Educators also gain access to exclusive resources and supplementary content to help them lesson plan and successfully deliver content to students whether they are learning online or in the classroom. Students who complete the course are prepared for the Hospitality and Tourism Specialist Credential exam. 

Find more information about the updated curriculum and product suite here.