PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY SPECIALISTS UNDER CRISIS CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the professional training of specialists in the hospitality industry under crisis conditions, particularly in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war, which has caused changes not only in socio-political and socio-economic aspects but has also affected the education sector and the hospitality industry, influencing the professional training of future hotel and restaurant professionals. Special attention is given to the teaching of the subject «Hotel Management Organization», a fundamental course that provides essential knowledge and skills in the field of hospitality (specialty J2 «Hotel and Restaurant Business and Catering»; field of study J «Transport and Services»). It is noted that with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation, there has been a reevaluation of the approach to studying this discipline. The article emphasizes the importance of students acquiring knowledge about safety and creating a secure environment for guests and employees during wartime; providing psycho-emotional support to guests and staff; effectively managing the hotel industry under conditions of uncertainty and military conflict, taking into account environmental, logistical, and service-related factors, as well as other challenges associated with crises. It also highlights the role of hotels as part of crisis infrastructure; inclusivity and accessibility; the accommodation of internally displaced persons; and the implementation of environmentally friendly practices in hotels. The formation of key competencies in students is underlined, such as the development of emotional intelligence, flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment, crisis communication with guests and hotel infrastructure personnel, speech etiquette in non-standard situations, leadership skills, and more. The article also characterizes certain innovative approaches to the training of bachelor's degree students in the hospitality industry in the context of developing their emotional intelligence as a response to modern challenges. Emotional intelligence in future hospitality professionals is primarily defined as the ability to manage their own emotional state, create a positive emotional climate in the professional environment, and effectively interact with clients during the execution of professional duties.