As from the beginning of 2018, the MBB embarked on an Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliances project, entitled INCOME. This project aims to foster a new learning approach, linked to the development of soft skills and based on a cooperative learning process that brings together higher education institutions and businesses in the tourism industry.

In the context of this specific industry, soft skills are highly relevant to the rate of performance and competitiveness of businesses. Research has confirmed, however, that there exists an apparent mismatch between the needs of the market and the level of soft skills with which tourism students and graduates are equipped with.

The project consortium – made up of 13 partner organisations based in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Malta, Germany, Croatia and the Netherlands – therefore recognises the need and the opportunity to include the development of soft skills into higher education curricula and to strongly cooperate with businesses to ensure that learning opportunities in the ‘real’ world are provided to tourism students. This will guarantee the enhancement of skills pertaining to future and current working staff.

Taking the above into consideration, the INCOME consortium is presently compiling a more detailed analysis of the current situation of the tourism industry requirements and the tourism curriculum in the participating countries and regions. At the same time, partners are seeking to inform tourism businesses about the objectives and targets of the INCOME project through the organisation of one-to-one meetings, workshops and thematic discussions.

For further information contact:

Marija Elena Borg, Executive – EU Funding

T: +356 2125 1719; E: mborg@mbb.org.mt