Transcending towards a spirituality-based platform in tourism higher education: A contemplation of the pedagogical implications

In light of current global challenges, there is a need to re-orientate and re-envision tourism education to develop responsible future practitioners. This paper argues for a move beyond the current vocationally biased academic approach and to move towards an educational platform that is inclusive of ethics, values and spirituality. A spirituality-based platform is proposed as a way forward in tourism higher education to facilitate a transformative learning experience. A spiritually based educational philosophy will influence the pedagogical approaches employed within the tourism curriculum and requires the academe to go beyond the transmission of knowledge and engage learners' transformative spirit.