The integration of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) into higher education signals a pivotal shift towards innovative teaching and learning methodologies. With an increasing number of students using GenAI for academic purposes, faculties urgently need to proactively adapt pedagogical methods to keep pace with the advancement of AI technologies. The study adopted a natural pedagogical approach, experimented integration of GenAI to college tourism courses and examined students’ using habits and perception of GenAI and their studying outcomes. The preliminary results showed that gender, major, the nature of courses, and students’ past experiences all matters when using GenAI for educational purposes. Specific suggestions were raised for college educators and tourism instructors.