TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION IN THE FIELD OF TOURISM IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN CHINA

The article examines the development trends of professional education in the field of tourism in higher education in China. The purpose of the study is to identify key areas of transformation of educational programs and their methodological substantiation in the context of globa­lization, digitalization and sustainable development. The metho­dology includes a systematic analysis of scientific lite­rature (CNKI database, 2000–2025), logical-­historical and comparative-­contrastive analysis of reform stages, as well as a critical-­theoretical assessment of state stan­dards and curricula. The results demonstrate the domi­nance of a practice-­oriented approach, integration with the hospitality industry, and the introduction of digital and environmentally sustainable tourism programs. The implementation of these trends requires the modernization of infrastructure, updating the content of education and intersectoral cooperation.