The Erasmus+ MCEU Hospitality Project: A Path to Sustainable Tourism

As we celebrate World Tourism Day 2024, the Erasmus+ MCEU Hospitality project emerges as a standout example of how the hospitality sector can contribute to sustainable development and global peace, aligning perfectly with the theme of Tourism and Peace. This three-year project focuses on reskilling and upskilling hospitality workers in Spain, Denmark, and Iceland through micro-credentials that equip them with critical digital and green skills. These competencies are essential for navigating the twin transition toward sustainability and digitalisation in hospitality, supporting the sector’s adaptation to an evolving global landscape.

The MCEU Hospitality Project is directly aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reinforcing the hospitality sector’s role in achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

SDG 4: Quality Education – The project offers micro-credentials tailored to the needs of the hospitality industry, promoting lifelong learning and helping workers continuously improve their skills to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – By boosting employability and providing workers with both economically beneficial and socially responsible job opportunities, the project contributes to Europe’s economic growth, particularly in a sector vital to the region’s economy.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Through its focus on green skills, the MCEU project enables the hospitality industry to adopt sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact while promoting eco-friendly tourism.

Looking Forward: Micro-Credentials and the Future of Hospitality

Just ahead of World Tourism Day 2024, the MCEU Hospitality consortium held a significant meeting on 25 September 2024 in Sant Pol de Mar, Spain, hosted by the Sant Pol School of Hospitality and Culinary Management (EUHT StPOL). During this pivotal gathering, the seven partner organisations reflected on the project’s first-year achievements, analysed a comprehensive survey on the skills needs of the hospitality industry, and finalised plans for launching the micro-credential courses in Q2 of 2025. These courses are designed to provide hospitality workers with key skills in sustainability, digital tools, and customer service.

The micro-credential courses, set to launch in 2025, mark a significant advancement for the European hospitality sector. They will help workers develop digital and green competencies, which are crucial for fostering a more sustainable and eco-conscious tourism industry. The project’s initial piloting stage will test the courses in real-world settings, gathering feedback to further refine and improve the training programs before they are fully implemented.

As we reflect on World Tourism Day 2024, the MCEU Hospitality project stands as a prime example of how tourism and hospitality can collaborate to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful world. By reskilling and upskilling workers in Spain, Denmark, and Iceland, the project contributes not only to economic growth but also fosters the cultural exchange and understanding that tourism thrives on.

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