Discovering innovation in hospitality education

The Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM) opened its doors to a future-ready approach in hospitality education with a demonstration of innovative learning technologies held at the ITHM Events Hall.

The event featured two tools designed to elevate student learning and industry preparedness: Property Management System (PMS) Training App and AI-powered Virtual Reality (VR) Hospitality Training Programs. These platforms aim to provide immersive, hands-on experiences that mirror real-world hospitality operations, bridging the gap between classroom learning and industry practice.

The initiative was made possible through a strategic collaboration with Ediphi, a leading provider of digital hospitality education solutions. The demonstration formed part of the LEAD for Tourism and Hospitality Program, underscoring ITHM’s commitment to equipping future hoteliers and tourism professionals with cutting-edge competencies.

The goal is to prepare students to be globally competitive and industry-ready. These innovations provide an authentic, hands-on learning environment that empowers them to lead with confidence in the rapidly evolving hospitality sector.

“These initiatives are especially significant in preparing aspiring educators and future hospitality leaders for the demands of a technology-driven industry. The PMS app provides practical exposure to hotel operations, while the VR programs immerse learners in realistic hospitality scenarios, sharpening both technical skills and soft competencies like decision-making and customer service,” said Dr. Harold Bueno, dean of ITHM.Through PMS, students gain proficiency in managing reservations, front-office operations, and guest services.

Meanwhile, the AI-powered VR Training immerses learners in simulated hospitality scenarios, allowing them to practice problem-solving, customer interaction, and operational management in a safe yet dynamic environment.

Participants from ITHM immerse themselves in innovation. ITHM

“In support of the recently implemented blended learning classes, these tools are designed to work seamlessly across multiple cloud-based platforms, allowing students to access immersive training even during their online sessions. This flexibility ensures continuity in learning and empowers students to engage with content anytime, anywhere,” said Bueno.

The institute plans to integrate even more AI tools into courses such as Tour Guiding and Hotel Virtual Simulation, further expanding the scope of experiential learning. These enhancements enable students to navigate complex environments with confidence and creativity, while faculty deliver dynamic, future-ready instruction.