Bridging the ESG Education Gap: Understanding Hospitality Students’ Perceptions and Expectations

The hospitality industry’s growing focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles requires hospitality educators to equip students with essential knowledge and skills. This study examines students’ perceptions, familiarity, and learning experiences with ESG education, applying Self-Determination Theory (SDT) as a framework to understand their motivation toward ESG learning. Semi-structured interviews with 39 students from three U.S. hospitality programs highlight key gaps, including fragmented ESG instruction and limited focus on social and governance aspects compared to environmental sustainability. Students acknowledge ESG’s importance for the industry and their career choice. Many students advocate for more structured, hands-on ESG education. This study offers actionable recommendations for developing ESG curricula, ensuring that hospitality graduates are well-equipped for an ESG-conscious industry.