This study examines the relationship between soft skills, hospitality internship practices, and hospitality employability skills among Generation Z hospitality students in Thailand. The findings underscore the significant role of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in enhancing employability within the hospitality industry. Additionally, internships serve as a critical bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application, refining students' professional abilities and aligning them with industry demands. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), this research highlights the direct and indirect effects of soft skills and internship practices on employability skills. The results also contextualize these findings within broader global trends, including the integration of technology in hospitality operations and the evolving expectations of Generation Z employees, emphasizing the need for educational institutions and organizations to adapt their training programs to a digitally connected, customer-centric industry. While the study's focus on Thailand and reliance on convenience sampling limits generalizability, its insights provide practical guidance for enhancing curricula and workforce preparedness in the hospitality sector. This research contributes to addressing gaps in the literature by offering a comprehensive model that integrates soft skills, internships, and employability, fostering a future-ready workforce. © 2025 The Authors
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