BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN TOURISM VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT PRACTICE IN CROATIA: A VOCATIONAL TEACHERS' PERSPECTIVE

Purpose - The main purpose of this research was to analyze the position of vocational education in Croatia from the perspective of tourism high school teaching staff. The main objective was to propose state regulations to limit the access of non-professionals to specialized jobs in tourism, and to enhance the status of tourism vocational education. Methodology - Desk research was focused on the analysis of available body of knowledge related to tourism employment and tourism education. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. The research sample included 104 tourism high school vocational teachers in Croatia. Descriptive statistics were used for data evaluation. Findings - Although Croatia heavily relies on the economic benefits from tourism, its performance is often diminished due to a labor market mismatch in terms of specialization, knowledge and skills. This research determined that Croatia has a well-established and prospective high school education system for tourism, but lacks of image among employers and young generations. The state market regulation of tourism employment and the improvement of 'dual education system' of tourism education were strongly supported by respondents. Contribution - The theoretical contribution of this research is to determine long-term gaps in matching tourism education outcomes and tourism employment practices. Empirical contribution is derived from the analysis of attitudes and perception of tourism high school teaching staff on how to improve tourism education and employment practice. Practical contribution is in providing empirically proved policy recommendations, while social contribution can be recognized in promoting tourism vocational education and professionalism to young generations.