INNO4Tourism Launches Training of Trainers Program in Palermo, Italy
Innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in tourism higher education take center stage at the University of Palermo.
On November 4, the Training of Trainers (ToT) program for sustainable tourism curriculum development officially commenced at the University of Palermo (UNIPA). Organized as part of the INNO4Tourism project, this initiative was led by Prof. Mauro Ferrante and hosted by the Department of Cultures and Societies at UNIPA. The event featured prominent contributions from academic leaders and project partners, marking a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between European and Asian higher education institutions (HEIs).
Opening Remarks and Key Objectives
The inaugural session began with welcoming speeches from UNIPA’s Vice-Rector of Internationalization and Teaching, Prof. Fabio Mazzola, and Prof. Valentina Favarò, Director of the Department of Cultures and Societies. Representatives from CESIE ETS, an Italian NGO and INNO4Tourism partner, Marika D’Angelo and Silvia Ciaperoni, joined to set the tone for the weeklong event. Prof. Tatiyaporn Jarumaneerat, the project coordinator from Prince of Songkla University, provided an overview of the INNO4Tourism project and its milestones.
The ToT aims to equip academic staff from HEIs with the skills to develop and implement innovative, sustainable tourism curricula tailored to local and global needs. Participants include delegates from universities in Thailand, Laos, and other partner institutions, who have gathered to exchange insights and best practices.
Expert Contributions and Collaborative Activities
Key academic presentations enriched the event. Prof. John Buschman, co-coordinator of the Global Sustainable Tourism program at Florida International University (FIU), shared his expertise on curriculum development and international collaboration in tourism education.
During the first day’s sessions, UNIPA’s Prof. Ninfa Pagano introduced the COIL methodology, emphasizing its application in Tourism Statistics for Destination Marketing. Prof. Stefano De Cantis showcased the role of Italy’s higher education system in shaping the tourism and hospitality landscape. Together with Mr. Fausto Amico, Prof. Ferrante unveiled the upcoming training program designed to guide participants through curriculum development.
Practical Training and Group Activities
The training spanned multiple days, focusing on a structured approach to curriculum development.
- Curriculum Vision (November 5): Participants explored the initial stages of conceptualizing a sustainable tourism curriculum, addressing the balance between theory and practical application.
- Curriculum Framework (November 6): Detailed sessions on curriculum design and implementation provided participants with hands-on tools and methodologies. Interactive group activities culminated in presentations that showcased innovative curriculum designs aligned with sustainable tourism goals.
An online platform was introduced, offering access to a manual on curriculum development, teaching resources, and recorded presentations to support participants in applying the lessons learned at their home institutions.
Highlights of Specialized Training Sessions
Expert-led sessions included discussions on cutting-edge topics:
- Artificial Intelligence in Education: Prof. S. Di Dio explored the transformative role of AI in tourism education.
- Sustainability and Environmental Law: Dr. G. Sajeva addressed international conventions like CITES and CBD, connecting them to sustainable tourism practices.
- Sicilian Black Bee Initiative: Irene Russo presented the “Nivura” project as a model for local sustainable tourism.
- Marine Conservation in Tourism: Prof. S. Lo Brutto emphasized the importance of protecting marine ecosystems in the tourism sector.
Strengthening International Collaboration
The ToT also served as a platform for fostering cross-cultural exchange and collaboration. Thai and Lao delegates shared research findings on workforce gaps and skill demands in their respective tourism sectors, providing a foundation for co-designed curricula that address regional challenges.
Participants explored experiential tourism initiatives, including sustainable practices in Madonie Park, the Ecoprise social entrepreneurship project, and the WITH Project for women’s entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa. These case studies underscored the importance of integrating sustainability into education and practice.
Future Prospects and Takeaways
As the first week of the ToT concluded, participants expressed enthusiasm for the tools and knowledge gained, which will be instrumental in creating high-quality, sustainable tourism curricula. The event laid the groundwork for continued collaboration as delegates prepare for their final sessions in Thessaloniki, Greece.
The INNO4Tourism Training of Trainers program exemplifies how international partnerships can drive innovation in education and address global challenges in tourism. By equipping HEIs with the skills to lead sustainable curriculum development, the initiative is set to make a lasting impact on tourism education across Europe and Asia.