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.
Key Findings
Read more: EcoHarmony Project Survey Results: Advancing Sustainable Tourism Education1. 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- Challenges include outdated teaching materials, lack of institutional support, and limited industry collaboration.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.