The challenges in the university education according to the employers: the case of university studies in Tourism

On the 2nd December, an online seminar was held on the theme of "The challenges in the university education according to the employers: the case of university studies in Tourism". The webinar was organized and promoted by six Agencies for the Quality of University Education of the communities of Andalusia, the Canary Islands, Castilla y León, Aragon, Catalonia and the Pais Vasco.

Furthermore, on behalf of the community of the Faculty of Tourism of the University of Malaga, took place a presentation, held by the dean of the Faculty and the president of the Interuniversity Tourism Network REDINTUR - Antonio Guevara.

The main objective of the meeting was to comment, discuss and reach conclusions on the appropriate improvements that are applicable to current university education plan in the tourism field in order to adapt better to the needs of the current employment offer of the sector, as well as to the socio-economic field in general.

Tourism is a rather young branch within the framework of university education, besides, it presents itself an activity that includes various fields of knowledge that are not originally touristic, therefore, today highlights the need to introduce in wide terms, the areas of tourism knowledge into the respective study plans.

The main challenges that the tourism education sector has to face today consist in adjusting the study offer to the job market, so that there is no excess of graduates with respect to the opportunities provided by the labor sphere, who, besides, often face the problem of being overqualified.

On the other hand, and especially in the current world scene, stands out the need to aim the studies at new focuses that include digitalization, technological innovation, data analysis, distribution systems, intelligent management of destinations, revenue management, among others, - these would be the pillars of knowledge that would allow not only to provide education according to the current peculiarities of the industry, but also to contribute to the modification of the industry itself.

Other pending tasks include the objectives of promoting dual training, talent recognition, language skills, conflict, teams, problems and crisis management skills, intercultural knowledge and sensitivity, international management of the tourism, leadership and decision-making skills, among others.