Exploring Event Participation of Hospitality and Tourism Management Students at Aerospace University

This case study aims to explore the participation of Hospitality and Tourism Management students in school events. Creswell’s steps for data collection and analysis were applied in this research, with a semi-structured interview guide used to gather insights. All interviews were conducted face-to-face on campus. Participants included eight full-time students studying Hospitality and Tourism Management. During data analysis, several themes emerged: 1) Personal and Educational Growth of Students, 2) Challenges Faced, 3) Instructor Support and Accessibility of Information, 4) Recommendations and Solutions, and 5) Practical Experience and Industry Connections. The study revealed valuable insights that contribute to enhancing participation within the Hospitality and Tourism Management department. Data showed both commonalities and differences, indicating areas for improvement. The results affected students' willingness to participate in school events, with some finding these events beneficial for personal growth, while others saw participation as a challenge or as an interference with personal time. Overall, adjustments to school events could help better engage all students in the Hospitality and Tourism Management department. Future research on this topic will employ quantitative methods.