Digital Competence of the Hospitality and Tourism Students in Baguio Central University

Abstract ―​

This study investigates the digital competency skills of Hospitality and Tourism Management (CHTM) students at Baguio Central University in the Philippines. Research used a quantitative descriptive research design, the study surveyed 50 students across various year levels, assessing their proficiency in five key areas: information and data literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation, safety, and problem-solving. The findings reveal that while students generally demonstrate a "Good" level of digital competency, with strengths in information and data literacy, communication, safety and content creation, they face significant challenges in problem-solving. The most serious challenge identified was preserving sensitive data and contents highlighting the need for greater emphasis on data privacy and security education. The research also suggests that students struggle to keep up with rapidly evolving digital technologies, indicating a need for ongoing training and access to resources. The research concludes with recommendations for enhancing digital competency skills among CHTM students, including incorporating practical problem-solving activities, offering workshops on digital content creation, and emphasizing data security in the curriculum. The findings provide valuable insights for educators and institutions seeking to prepare students for the increasingly digital demands of the hospitality and tourism industry.