Ht2U: a game-based learning application for tourism education

Hospitality and Tourism to You (Ht2U) is a gamified educational innovation designed to improve teaching and learning within tourism studies. Originally introduced as a website in 2017, the platform has undergone continuous development, expanding into various formats such as a game book and board games in 2018, an online interactive environment utilising Google Jamboard and Google Meet in 2021, and a web-based system in 2024. Most recently, in 2026, Ht2U was transformed into a mobile application accessible via the Google Play Store, incorporating game-based learning elements including crossword puzzles and word search activities. The application aims to support vocabulary development, deepen conceptual understanding, and encourage active engagement with tourism-related content. Data were collected from 107 undergraduate students through open-ended responses submitted via a Google Form and subsequently analysed using thematic analysis. The results identified five main themes: increased engagement and motivation, enhanced knowledge acquisition and retention, the development of cognitive and collaborative competencies, user preferences for particular game features, and challenges associated with interface design and accessibility. Overall, participants perceived the application as an enjoyable, interactive, and effective learning tool. These findings suggest that Ht2U holds considerable promise as an innovative approach to gamified learning, effectively linking theoretical knowledge with practical application in tourism education. Future improvements will focus on enhancing usability and expanding interactive functionalities to further optimise user experience and learning outcomes.