Training of human resources in tourism to mitigate overtourism and promote a sustainable destination

Abstract

This chapter investigates how tourism training at universities and industry could contribute to the sustainability at a destination and mitigate the overtourism. The industry professionals indicate the relevance of sustainability subjects to the career in tourism. A survey was conducted to test the training in tourism. A structural equations model approach was used to analyse the data collected. The results show that there is a general acceptance that changes have to occur in the provision of training in the tourism industry. However, these changes are often recommended by academics and not necessarily accepted by the industry. The main results show that tourism training at Lanzarote University School of Tourism and tourism industry has a positive and significant influence on the sustainability of the destination. Tourism training at universities tends to focus on enabling students for future careers in the industry. Little attention has been paid to the meaning of training in tourism sustainability. Sustainability aspects of tourism training are vital to producing a well-rounded graduate. The training at the Lanzarote University School of Tourism is presented as an example of a successful, innovative training in tourism and avoiding overtourism.