Hamed Rezapouraghdam, Habib Alipour, Hasan Kilic and Arash Akhshik
This study aims to identify the main facilitating factors in learning sustainable tourism development from the perspective of tourism students.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the main facilitating factors in learning sustainable tourism development from the perspective of tourism students.
Design/methodology/approach
An inductive qualitative approach was applied. Focus group data collection and content analysis were used to gather and interpret the data obtained from tourism students.
Findings
Three major problems prevent tourism students from learning; consequently, three solutions emerged to encourage them to learn about sustainable tourism development. The problems are (1) the complexity of the topic, (2) the applicability of the subject and (3) pessimism about the future. The solutions are (1) implementable sustainable approaches/ideas for the future, (2) the learning process needs to combine field observation and creative approaches and (3) digital tools and video material should be integrated with the learning process.
Originality/value
The presentation of sustainable tourism development for tourism students has received relatively limited attention in the literature. For Northern Cyprus as a study setting, this study is one of the first attempts to contribute to education for sustainable development and its implementation.
Details
Keywords
Hamed Rezapouraghdam and Arash Akhshik
The purpose of this study is to gauge how tourism and hospitality students discern sustainability in the geographical context of the small island state of North Cyprus using…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to gauge how tourism and hospitality students discern sustainability in the geographical context of the small island state of North Cyprus using systems theory and thinking framework.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a qualitative approach and draws on data from focus group interviews with final year students enrolled in a tourism and hospitality program.
Findings
This study reveals that students lack a holistic understanding of sustainability and given this finding, the theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Originality/value
In spite of the close linkages between tourism and sustainability and the fact that the United Nations designated 2017 as the “International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development,” education for sustainability in tourism has received relatively little attention. Furthermore, there is a gap in the literature in terms of what tourism students know about sustainability and sustainable development.