The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), leading the Altour-MED project, recently completed an international webinar focused on advancing alternative tourism education. This event successfully gathered professionals and educators from the tourism and Vocational Education and Training (VET) sectors across Europe. Hosted online, the webinar served as an effective platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration among experts from Malta, Greece, Italy, and other countries.
This webinar was a key part of the project’s efforts to integrate alternative tourism into educational curricula. As a "train-the-trainers" activity, it prepared participants—comprising educators, trainers, and destination managers—for upcoming national seminars. These seminars are crucial for incorporating the principles of alternative tourism into VET institutions throughout Europe.
During the webinar, participants explored the core concepts outlined in the ALTOUR-Guide. They gained valuable insights into alternative tourism and its increasing relevance in the tourism industry. The session also provided practical strategies for integrating these concepts into teaching practices, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to deliver the material effectively. By the end of the webinar, participants were equipped with the necessary tools and techniques to conduct their own training sessions and seminars, thus extending the reach of the ALTOUR-Guide’s content.
The webinar attracted approximately 21 participants, including VET educators, trainers, students, and representatives from the three ALTOURMed networks. These attendees not only benefited from the insights shared during the session but also contributed their own experiences and perspectives, enhancing the overall understanding of alternative tourism.
The session was organized around the ALTOUR-Guide’s content and delivered via Zoom, a user-friendly online platform. It lasted for one hour.
The importance of this webinar is significant. As the tourism industry evolves, there is a growing need for educational programs that emphasize sustainability and alternative tourism. This webinar has positioned educators and trainers at the forefront of this movement, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of tourism education.
