Inclusivity in Higher Tourism Studies

The university as an institution plays a key role in its role in improving the quality of life of people. On the other hand, education is shown as a fundamental pillar to achieving an ideal configuration of a heterogeneous, diversified, organized, and inclusive society. Teamwork and respect among the people who are part of the academic community are reflected in the development of the teaching units that make up the Teaching Guides adapted to the European Education Area. With this premise, the objective of this research is to establish the interrelationship between inclusive education in the university and the tourism industry. To this end, it will be analysed to what extent the Tourism Degree curriculum contains subjects related to inclusiveness, particularly with aspects such as disability and mobility. A thorough literature review on this field of study and the analysis of real cases of a sample of Spanish universities is carried out.

Leadership in Tourism

This chapter proposes to discuss the application of authentic leadership as the ‘vehicle' forward for tourism. Specifically, how authentic leaders in the tourism industry can help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and why they are important to the Tasmanian tourism industry. As such, the authors propose the research question: How can authentic leadership enable the sustainable development of tourism in Tasmania? This chapter commences by exploring tourism in Tasmania and the related leadership gap found in the industry, followed by a brief explanation of our critical review method. The literature review then examines how tourism, a diverse industry, has the potential to contribute to the United Nation's SDGs. The authors aim to demonstrate how sound authentic leadership behaviours among tourist vendors facilitate ethical employment practices and economic growth in Tasmania. Finally, the chapter explores the possible implications of a synthesis of authentic leadership and sustainable development in the context of Tasmania.

Accessible Tourism and Digital Platforms

The disclosure of accessibility conditions in tourism supply encourages the demand for destinations. The fact that a destination seeks solutions in order to satisfy the needs and preferences of tourists, regardless of the nature and degree of their disability, fosters a spirit of social and corporate responsibility, contributing to a differentiated, competitive, and, at the same time, sustainable destination. Therefore, the present study aims to present the accessible resources in the city of Viana do Castelo, based on the Tur4ll platform. The objective is to analyse the tourism offer available and suitable for tourists with special needs (SN). By using a qualitative methodology, a diagnosis of the study context is presented, as well as the main constraints and limitations that are sometimes inherent to tourism with specific motivation.

Events as Sustainable Experience for Local Communities of a Tourist Destination

There is an increasing concern for public stakeholders to develop sustainable tourism strategies, in order to satisfy the needs of today's society, without compromising future generations. Considering the key dimensions of sustainable tourism, this chapter aims to analyse the well-being of a destination's local community and its relationship with tourist events. This exploratory research used a qualitative approach by employing a semi-structured interview with the most relevant stakeholders of the destination. It is possible to conclude that local events can have different positive impacts on the quality of life of the residents. Greater support for local political strategies, better feedback, and word-of-mouth, translating into a positive and sustainable promotion of the destination by the local community are results that can be expected from organising events also designed for the residents of the destination, as a sustainable and inclusive experience.

Promoting Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in the Tourism Sector

Gender equality and women empowerment constitute a longstanding topic since the issues have never been fully addressed, although some progress has been made. The tourism sector is one area that seems to have more opportunities for women and, thus, less gender inequalities. However, cases of discrimination are still experienced. Hence, this chapter explores the situation of gender equality and women position in the field of tourism and establish the causes of the problem in the sector. The opportunities for females and avenues of achieving fairness and empowerment are also discussed.

Poverty Alleviation, Ecotourism, and Biodiversity Protection in Príncipe Island

Príncipe is the smallest of the two São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) islands and site of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Two-thirds of its seven thousand inhabitants are poor, and the productive fabric does not generate enough resources for poverty alleviation and biodiversity conservation. Moreover, STP archipelago belongs to the group of small island developing states (SIDS), recognised by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development as a particular case, and international funding for development and sustainability support is available. In addition, the autonomous government of Príncipe identified ecotourism as a niche market to develop, establishing goals for this activity. This chapter presents some results of the actions that have been promoted. In future work, the author studies the case of Cape Verde, another Portuguese speaking SIDS, aiming to understand what has been done in terms of poverty alleviation and its impacts.

Intercultural Dialogue as a Tool for Maintaining Sustainable Partnerships in Tourism

International partnerships have a reinforcing effect and lasting benefits for modern economy and social life. The principles of intercultural partnerships in tourism can be compared to other principles of sustainable development. This chapter recognises the ultimate role of sustainable development in the sphere of tourism, while applying the theory of intercultural dialogue as an approach to the SDG 17 and tracing back partnerships to the bridge where different cultures meet. Such meetings very often need a bridge to cross over cultural gaps. In view of the proposed research, one such bridge is presented by the International Tourism Fair Holiday and SPA EXPO 2020, and it is against the background of this event that the established partnerships mediated by intercultural dialogue are classified.

Tourism as a Strategy for Geo-Education and Cultural Valorization of Territories

The mountains represent territories of exceptional environmental and heritage value, holding vital resources and functions for humanity. The conservation of its geo and biodiversity is decisive, given the growth in its demand, in particular for tourism and leisure activities. In addition to their immediate physical perception, they are spaces of science and knowledge and a resource for geoeducation to promote the natural and cultural values held. The creation of geoparks constituted a new paradigm in which geosciences, territories, their heritage (material and immaterial) and the ways of life of their communities are disseminated. In this context, geoparks are based on integrated territorial approaches to the enhancement, preservation and promotion of education, biodiversity, geological heritage, tourism and scientific research, among others. Tourism, as a strategy for geoeducation and territorial valorisation, is in the mission of Estrela Geopark, promoting educational programs with initiatives for the conservation of heritage and promotion of eco-cultural resources.

Ecotourism as a Tool for Sustainable Development in Morni Hills (Haryana), India

Ecotourism is an emerging approach to attain sustainable development. The Morn Hills region of Haryana in India is emerging as a famous ecotourism destination, as it is endowed with rich and varied vegetation, flora and fauna, and forest area. The chapter empirically investigates the local community attitude towards ecotourism as a mean for sustainable development. The chapter used 200 data responses conveniently collected from respondents through a survey form and used suitable statistical tools to analyse the result. The study indicates huge prospects of ecotourism in the area and variation in the attitude of the local community towards the role of ecotourism in sustainable development. A highly positive attitude of locals as ecotourism brings sustainable and overall development in the area in the form of enhanced economic benefits, enrichment of socio-cultural values, increased concerns, and preservation of environmental and physical resources. The chapter concludes different stakeholders to come up with appropriate strategies for sustainable development of the area.

In Pursuit of a Better Life?

Nowadays, people enjoy the sense of freedom by moving from one place to another, seeking personal and professional growth, and satisfaction with life. Borders have become fluid. In the global world, education and employment seem to be within easy reach. People are pursuing lifelong learning and training to adjust to a changing job environment and maximise career opportunities. However, migrating qualified individuals can face specific difficulties in their way. The present research aims to study high-skilled migration in Portugal. For this purpose, a qualitative approach, with a focus group methodology, was applied. Two focus groups were conducted with foreign-born individuals residing in Portugal. The chapter aims to add to the understanding of how highly qualified migrants make decisions on migration, and how they perceive the job market, professional development, and career growth opportunities in Portugal.