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Description
In this project, University of Economics and Business and the University of South-Eastern Norway aim to innovate education in sustainable and smart tourism. The project team plans to prepare a package of teaching materials (sourcebook, textbook, etc.) and include new thematic areas in the current education curricula. We will emphasise the importance of ethics and responsibility in tourism education which should support awareness of social, cultural and environmental challenges. These topics are considered relevant not only from the perspective of teachers, but also from the perspective of external stakeholders. Thanks to the project, students will gain up-to-date education that will enhance their employability and develop their skills as pro-active citizens. Moreover, the project will strengthen collaboration between the higher education institutions and the external stakeholders involved in the tourism sector.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the urgent need to revamp the bachelor’s degree program in tourism at the Prague University of Economics and Business (PUEB). The existing curriculum had limited exposure to essential themes of sustainable development and smart technologies within the tourism sector. The project sought to equip students with a robust understanding of these principles and applications, preparing them to tackle environmental challenges in regional tourism development.
The project organised a series of four pivotal peer-learning activities on both partner univertities. These activities fostered a collaborative environment for academic staff from both institutions to exchange experiences, expertise, and innovative ideas. The project developed several intellectual outputs, including a Sourcebook of Innovative Higher Education Approach towards Smart and Sustainable Tourism, a Textbook on Introduction to Sustainable and Smart Tourism, a Book of Case Studies in Sustainable and Smart Tourism, and an Analysis of Collaborative Approach.
The project enhanced the teaching skills of academic staff and improved the learning outcomes of students in the field of sustainable and smart tourism. The Sourcebook and Textbook were integrated into the curriculum, enriching the educational content. The book of case studies and the report on collaborative analysis fostered a deeper understanding of the practical applications of sustainable tourism principles. The beneficiaries of these results are the students and faculty at the Czech and Norwegian universities, the broader academic community, and the tourism industry. An unintended yet positive result was the increased interest from external stakeholders in participating in future collaborative projects.
Summary of bilateral results
The University of South-Eastern Norway brought a complementary perspective and a diverse set of experiences and expertise to the collaboration. This partnership enhanced the diversity of perspectives, particularly with unique insights into sustainable tourism from the Norwegian context.