ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES IN TOURISM EDUCATION: A SYSTEMATIC ANALYSIS OF PEDAGOGICAL TRENDS AND CURRICULUM GAPS

Bahagia Saragih (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Ayu Lestari (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Ameera Fadhillah (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Najwa Kamila Harpan (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Sefrina Anastasya Simbolon (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Maharani Yasika (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Aqsha Dinanti (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Muthia Fitriani (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Yohana Putri S. Simanjuntak (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Priska Oktaviani Br Ginting (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Gloria Pasca Simarmata (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Tengku Hastridilla (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Sarah Hendratno Simanjutak (Universitas Negeri Medan)
Debora Jesika Sihotang, Putri Rohni Sitio (Universitas Negeri Medan)

Multidiciplinary Output Research for Actual and International Issue (Morfai Journal)
Vol. 6 No. 5 (2026): Multidiciplinary Output Research For Actual and International Issue

This study examines the trends, gaps, and future directions of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in tourism higher education.ESP in tourism is essential for preparing students to communicate professionally in global service contexts, yet many curricula still focus mainly on linguistic knowledge rather than authentic workplace communication. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design through a literature review of scholarly sources related to ESP, tourism education, hospitality communication, curriculum development, and professional communication. The findings show that tourism ESP instruction has shifted toward communicative, task-based, and scenario-based learning. However, gaps remain in students’ psychological readiness, willingness to communicate, intercultural competence, and ability to respond spontaneously in real service encounters. The study highlights the need for a holistic ESP curriculum that integrates linguistic competence, emotional preparedness, intercultural awareness, digital communication skills, and authentic workplace practices. Such integration can better prepare tourism students to become confident, adaptive, and professional service practitioners in international contexts.