The EcoHarmony Erasmus+ project team is proud to announce its contribution to an important academic publication advancing social responsibility and sustainability in tourism and hospitality education. A chapter authored by our project partners, titled “Reimagining Tourism Education for a Sustainable and Regenerative Future,” has been published in the book Social Responsibility in Hospitality and Tourism: Bridging Education and Practice.
This volume focuses on how social responsibility in hospitality and tourism can move beyond theory into real-world professional practice. The EcoHarmony chapter specifically addresses how sustainable and regenerative tourism education can be embedded within European higher education through a research-informed and practice-oriented framework.
Drawing on focus groups conducted in six European countries and a large-scale cross-European survey, the chapter analyses the current state of tourism education and highlights a key challenge: while sustainability is present in many programmes, its integration remains fragmented rather than holistic
In response, the chapter proposes concrete strategies including interdisciplinary curriculum design, micro-credentials, experiential learning, and the meaningful integration of digital technologies such as AI and VR
EcoHarmony aims not only to support sustainable tourism education, but to promote a regenerative model that actively contributes to social and ecological well-being. This publication strengthens the academic impact of the project and provides higher education institutions across Europe with a practical roadmap for systemic transformation.
More information about the book is available on the Routledge website [HERE]
The global travel and tourism sector continues to transform, embracing sustainability not just as a buzzword but as a strategic pillar for long-term resilience and community wellbeing. From policy initiatives to innovative models of travel that go beyond minimizing harm, recent developments show a clear shift toward regenerative and impact-positive practices in tourism.
Tourism Policy Shifts Toward Sustainability
In 2026, major tourism markets are redefining how they approach tourism. For example, South Korea has announced strategic plans to integrate advanced technologies like AI with sustainable tourism practices, moving the focus away from simply attracting large numbers of visitors to prioritizing environmentally friendly, high-value experiences.
The book focuses on overtourism – a term used since about 2017 to describe destinations under stress as a result of excessive visitors – through the lens of tourism education perspective rather than purely industry or management viewpoints. Instead of only analysing overtourism as a problem of visitor volume, it treats education as a strategic tool to shape more responsible behaviours and sustainable mindsets among future practitioners, stakeholders and tourists.
The content includes:
Conceptual frameworks linking overtourism with education and sustainability theories.
Practical strategies and interventions for tourism education to mitigate overtourism’s negative impacts.
Transformative and evidence-based models for curricula, training, and capacity-building that support destination sustainability.
This volume is especially relevant to:
Advanced students and researchers in tourism, sustainability, cultural studies, and development studies.
Academics and educators seeking frameworks to embed sustainability and overtourism topics in tourism curricula.
Tourism professionals and policymakers interested in strategies that go beyond crowd control and towards transformative education and long-term destination management.
We are pleased to announce the successful completion of teaching guides for all ten modules of our sustainable tourism curriculum. This achievement marks a major strategic milestone in our effort to deliver a comprehensive, high-quality educational framework aligned with the emerging needs of the tourism sector.
Fundamentals of Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism
Local Development and Community Engagement
Marketing and Communication in Sustainable Tourism
Mobility and Low-Impact Tourism
Smart and Digital Tourism
Strategic Planning and Economic Impacts
Each module provides detailed learning structures, activity guidance, and pedagogical tools aimed at supporting educators and enabling meaningful learner engagement.
We are now actively working on uploading all finalized materials to the EcoHarmony learning platform. This phase ensures that the curriculum will be accessible, well-structured, and optimised for a seamless digital learning experience.
Next Phase: Pilot Testing
Following the successful upload of all ten modules, we will initiate the pilot testing phase. During this stage, selected learners and educators will engage with the modules to provide feedback on:
Content clarity and usability
Learning flow and structure
Digital platform experience
Relevance and overall impact
Insights from the pilot will guide final refinements prior to full-scale rollout.
The EcoHarmony consortium gathered on 22 and 23 October to review progress and key milestones in the ongoing development of the Eco Learn sustainable tourism platform and the innovative curriculum designed to promote sustainability education across Europe.
During the meeting, partners shared updates on curriculum design, digital platform functionality, and upcoming project activities. The discussions reflected the consortium’s shared commitment to advancing high-quality, accessible learning tools that equip educators and students with the knowledge and skills to foster sustainability in tourism.
The EcoHarmony Project, co-funded by Erasmus+ and led by a consortium of European universities and organizations, has completed its first large-scale survey of educators and professionals in sustainable tourism. With nearly 200 responses from Spain, Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and the Netherlands; the survey provides valuable insights into the current state and future of tourism education.
1. Familiarity with Sustainability and Regeneration
Most respondents are familiar with sustainability concepts, but regenerative tourism remains less integrated into teaching.
Around 32% are somewhat familiar, and only 24% reported being very familiar with regenerative tourism.
2. Curriculum Content
Many institutions already include sustainability topics and SDGs within their curricula.
Content integration varies: while some universities adopt interdisciplinary and experiential approaches, others rely heavily on theory.
Emerging topics include eco-tourism principles, circular economy, smart destinations, and accessible tourism.
3. Pedagogical Approaches
Socio-emotional and behavioral learning is recognized but inconsistently applied across institutions.
Stakeholder collaborations are strong: industry partnerships, internships, guest lectures, and NGO engagement are widely practiced.
Educators emphasize the importance of experiential learning, project-based activities, and interdisciplinary methods.
4. Digital Tools and Assessment
Online education is valued for flexibility and accessibility, but challenges include reduced engagement and limited hands-on experiences.
Preferred teaching methods: case studies, fieldwork, guest speakers, and project-based learning.
Current assessments rely on essays and presentations, but respondents call for innovative evaluations such as real-world problem-solving, peer assessments, and reflective practices.
5. Preparing for Real-World Impact
Sustainability education is seen as a driver of awareness, responsibility, and employability.
Most impactful initiatives: internships, collaborations with sustainable businesses, and applied projects.
Challenges include outdated teaching materials, lack of institutional support, and limited industry collaboration.
6. Future Outlook and Recommendations
Respondents anticipate a growing role for short-term, modular courses and micro-credentials.
Recommendations include:
Stronger government support and flexible learning pathways.
Increased fieldwork, practical case studies, and industry collaboration.
Integration of new technologies (AI, VR, data analysis) in teaching and assessment.
Looking ahead, respondents see strong potential for short-term, flexible courses and micro-credentials to complement traditional degrees.
These findings will directly shape the EcoHarmony curriculum, ensuring that future professionals are prepared to lead the tourism sector toward sustainability, regeneration, and innovation.
In May and June, as part of the Erasmus+ EcoHarmony project, partner institutions organized a series of Curriculum Workshops aimed at designing a proposal of curriculum program aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Framework (GSTF).
💡 The foundation for these workshops were insights from previous focus groups and surveys, which highlighted key learning outcomes and innovative teaching approaches.
In total, over 60 participants, primarily tourism educators, took part in seven workshops across all partner institutions.
The results: ✅ Preliminary curriculum framework with 10 modules, covering topics from tourism fundamentals to advanced areas such as digital tourism, circular economy, and ethics in tourism. ✅ Defined 50+ learning outcomes, addressing economic, social, and environmental aspects of tourism. ✅ Integrated diverse teaching methods: active learning, gamification, simulations, fieldwork, and industry collaboration.
👏 A big thank you to all project partners for their dedication and valuable input!
🔗 Stay tuned for more project updates and outcomes!
As part of the Erasmus+ co-funded by the European Union EcoHarmony Project, we launched a comprehensive survey targeting higher education lecturers and researchers in tourism across Europe. The goal: to understand current practices, challenges, and aspirations in sustainable and regenerative tourism education.
🗣️ Who responded? Over 180 educators from 7 countries shared their perspectives on how tourism education aligns with sustainability principles and what needs to change.
Most respondents are familiar with sustainable tourism, but fewer have fully integrated regenerative tourism into their courses.
SDGs, climate change, and cultural heritage are top content areas already being taught, while green finance, smart tourism, and AI tools are gaining traction for future integration.
📚 Curriculum & Competencies
Sustainability is often covered as optional content, not as a core framework in tourism courses.
There’s a strong desire to embed SDGs, interdisciplinary learning, and community engagement into the curriculum.
Practical training (e.g. internships, real-world projects) and project-based learning are the preferred methods.
🧠 Skills for the Future Educators emphasized the importance of:
Communication skills
Systems thinking
Partnerships with industry, government, and NGOs
Student leadership and behavioral learning
Equipping students with digital skills like AI, GIS, and sustainability data tools
⚠️ Challenges Identified
Lack of training and updated resources for educators
Weak industry partnerships
Misalignment between student expectations, academic content and real challenges
Limited socio-emotional learning and fieldwork opportunities
Let’s drive change in sustainable and regenerative tourism education! It’s time to break through the hurdles of limited integration and weak industry ties. Join educators in shaping curricula that equip students with future-focused skills, interdisciplinary knowledge, and stronger industry connections to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Be part of the transformation today!
We are excited to share an update on a key milestone in our research project! Alongside our six partners, we recently conducted a series of insightful focus groups aimed at gathering diverse perspectives on the intersection of sustainable tourism education, industry needs, and technological advancements.
Each partner facilitated a focus group consisting of 8-12 participants, bringing together a dynamic mix of
educators in the field of sustainable tourism, industry experts, and IT professionals specializing in tourism-related technologies. These sessions provided valuable discussions on current trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of sustainable tourism education.
Key Takeaways from the Focus Groups:
The growing importance of integrating digital tools and IT solutions to support sustainable tourism education.
Collaboration between academia and industry is essential for developing innovative solutions that drive sustainability in tourism. Technology can play a crucial role in improving sustainable tourism initiatives, from smart destination management to responsible travel experiences.
The new generations of professionals must be prepared to tackle the key sustainability challenges in the tourism sector, including climate change, efficient resource use, participatory governance, equity, and inclusion, as well as biodiversity conservation and the promotion of circular economy practices.
The insights gathered from these focus groups will play a crucial role in shaping our next steps, including developing solutions that align with the needs of both educators and industry professionals in the future of tourism education.
We extend our gratitude to all participants for their time, expertise, and valuable contributions. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue advancing this project!
On January 29th and 30th, IQS hosted the Kick-off Meeting of the Eco-Harmony project, bringing together participants from the entire consortium to initiate collaboration. The meeting set the foundation for the project’s core mission: developing a future-oriented sustainable tourism education that equips young professionals with essential skills in an innovative learning environment.
