Tourism is the phenomenon of great social and economic importance. It is the biggest and the fastest growing industry which is developing 1.5 faster than the other industries. Additionally, tourism represents a mass movement of people which makes strong impact on many destinations, traditional or emerging ones. This have both economic and social influence on developing destinations, creating employment opportunities and economic benefits for those involved in tourism activities. Tourism development has positive influence on infrastructure development, as well as on the service industry (especially SMEs related to tourism). International economic impacts of tourism are numerous. Countries are attracting tourists and tour operators to use services, which consequently contribute to its balance payment. Services, beside tourist attractions, natural and cultural diversity, create visitors’ opinion about destination. Changing nature of tourism (moving from mass tourism to niche tourism and new experiences) has a strong influence on educational process and skills which service providers in tourism have to attain. The intention of this paper is to put a light on the connection between the fast-changing tourism trends and educational processes which are crucial component in providing market with capable and efficient human resources. Be it tourist guide or agent, hotel manager, handicrafts provider or restaurant owner, person involved in tourism is under the pressure to cope with changes and adjust to new trends. Which strategies should companies and individuals use to gain or update their knowledge? Could life-long learning strategies support their efforts in tourism and provide answers to these questions?

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