The event, held on February 28th, signifies the beginning of a 36-month initiative (2024-2027) aimed at equipping higher education institutions (HEIs) with the tools and knowledge necessary to address environmental challenges within the tourism sector.
The Tourism-Zero Project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme on Capacity Building in Higher Education, focuses on enhancing the quality and relevance of academic offerings to tackle environmental degradation and meet the growing market demand for sustainable zero-waste management, particularly in hospitality and tourism.
The launch event, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ounla Sivanpheng, Vice President of NUOL, drew a diverse audience of over 80 participants. Attendees included HEI academics, representatives from various ministries, the EU Delegation Office to Laos, the Association of Tourism Business, tourism agencies, students, and alumni.
The project's core deliverables include the development and piloting of four innovative courses on zero-waste tourism at HEIs in Asia. These courses will be designed to provide students with practical skills and knowledge to minimize environmental impact within the tourism industry. Furthermore, the project will focus on training academics with innovative pedagogies and teaching methods, ensuring the effective implementation of these new courses.
Recognizing the need for continuous learning within the workforce, the Tourism-Zero Project will also open these courses to tourism professionals already in the labor market. This initiative will provide opportunities for reskilling and upskilling, enabling them to address the environmental challenges stemming from tourism activities.
The Tourism-Zero Project represents a collaborative effort to foster sustainable practices and promote a circular economy within the tourism sector, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally conscious and resilient future.