An Investigation of Sustainable Development Goals in Hospitality Higher Education – A Case Study of Taiwan and Hong Kong

Abstract

 Given the global commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, sustainability has become a critical research and practice area. The tourism, hospitality, and travel sectors contribute significantly to the global economy, and the World Tourism Organization has recognized their potential to advance the SDGs. In Taiwan, the integration of SDGs into educational curricula is gaining momentum. This study examines the differences in SDG knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors between hospitality students from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Using the KAP scale and SPSS for data analysis, including correlation analysis and regression, the results indicate a significant relationship between SDG knowledge and attitude (β=.466, R²=.211) and between SDG attitude and behavior (β=.196, R²=.031). The findings suggest that education improves SDG knowledge, which fosters positive attitudes, ultimately influencing SDG-related behaviors. The study highlights the importance of embedding sustainability education into hospitality curricula to promote sustainable behaviors among students.