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The tourism industry has always been a dynamic and evolving sector, but the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for innovation, sustainability, and adaptability. As wellness and nature-based tourism become leading global trends, the importance of Vocational Education and Training (VET) in equipping learners with the right skills has never been more evident.

Why Tourism Needs VET Now More Than Ever

The global shift towards sustainable travel and restorative tourism has created new opportunities—and challenges—for the sector. Vocational education plays a vital role in addressing these by:

  • Upskilling learners and entrepreneurs: VET ensures that professionals are equipped to meet emerging trends such as forest-based wellness and digital tourism experiences.
  • Fostering sustainability: Training programmes can integrate green skills and sustainable practices, preparing the workforce to operate responsibly in an ever-changing world.
  • Embracing technology: With the increasing use of Augmented Reality (AR) and digital tools, VET learners can gain hands-on experience in innovative ways, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

How ForestWell Supports Tourism Education

The ForestWell project is at the forefront of addressing these changes by developing innovative educational approaches tailored to wellness tourism. ForestWell aims to:

  • Identify forest-based skills that are essential for tourism and wellness enterprises through detailed desk research.
  • Design a sustainable and green educational programme, including a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), for VET educators and learners.
  • Implement practical and high-quality training materials, including cutting-edge tools like the ForestWell AR environment.

These initiatives empower learners to embrace the opportunities in forest-based tourism while contributing to a more sustainable industry.

The Future of VET in Tourism

As tourism continues to recover and evolve, the role of vocational education will only grow. By blending traditional knowledge with innovative approaches like AR and digital tools, VET can ensure learners are prepared for a thriving, sustainable career in tourism and wellness.

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Vocational education is the key to unlocking a sustainable future for tourism. ForestWell is proud to lead the way by providing the tools and knowledge learners need to thrive in this exciting, evolving industry.

Written by Kathryn O’Brien (EUEI)

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