Analysis of tourism and hospitality professionals from Universidad Técnica de Ambato (Technical University of Ambato), in the use of information technologies: Análisis de los profesionales de turismo y hotelería de la Universidad Técnica de Ambato en el uso de las tecnologías de la información

Abstract

This article is an analysis of the importance of the use of information and communication technologies by tourism and hospitality professionals. For this, higher education and the workplace were considered. A quantitative methodology was applied using primary and secondary information. The instruments used were two questionnaires with the survey technique, the first one was uploaded to the institution's alumni monitoring system and the second one was carried out online using the Google Forms. The study population was divided into two groups; the first one was graduates in the Tourism and Hospitality major at the Universidad Técnica de Ambato (Technical University of Ambato); the second one were people who have practiced the profession for some years. It was concluded that the information and communication technologies known as "ICT" are essential for academic and professional performance. Currently, it is instructed as a general subject and it is recommended to coordinate to be taught with core courses, regard updated technological content such as augmented reality, virtual tours, mobile applications, online shopping systems and social networks, among others. Technological training is not the sole responsibility of the university and can be managed by state agencies or private companies.