Life-Long Learning Strategies in Tourism and Hotel Industry

Abstract

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?

Professional Development to Improve Responsible Beverage Service Training: Formative Research Results and Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Many servers followed (ie, viewed a post) and engaged (ie, reacted to or commented on a post) with the prototype. These results are consistent with the literature citing education and lifelong learning as essential in the hospitality industry to maintain job competence, be productive, and be valued employees [ 37 ]. A formal professional development program, such as WayToServe Plus , might help employees improve RBS practice faster than informal training by owners and managers [ 32 ].…”

“…Servers and managers wanted skills training on refusing service, handling intoxicated and difficult customers, conflict resolution, communication, drink counting, and recognizing intoxication; serving at special events; ID checking; serving laws and penalties; and prohibited conduct (eg, recreational cannabis, drinking on the job, and firearms). These represent a combination of generic as well as job-specific information and skills for alcohol service, a common combination of skills in the hospitality industry [ 36 , 37 ]. Servers suggested several message features that would promote engagement with the professional development content, including positive messages; relaxed, conversational tone; humor; infographics or charts; articles; videos; questions and answers; resources; reminders; interactive activities; badges or rewards; polls; quizzes; games; weekly discussion topics; tips, stories, and comments from experienced servers; and opportunities to share experiences.…”

“…Vocational education and lifelong learning play essential roles in the hospitality industry. They offer both general knowledge and skills such as communication and customer service as well as job-related knowledge such as understanding laws related to serving alcohol and the ability to recognize signs of intoxication [ 32 , 36 , 37 ]. Alcohol servers trained in RBS practices should benefit from ongoing professional development by (1) motivating them to implement RBS skills in the face of common barriers, such as pressure to sell, low management support, and customers’ attempts to continue being served; (2) receiving support for RBS from a community of alcohol servers, especially for servers who work in small or unsupportive premises; and (3) preventing the degradation of RBS skills over time.…”