In October, the DIGITOUR consortium partners met in Badajoz, Spain, home to hosting partner EOLAS S.L, who are leading experts in digitalisation processes. The partners came together to discuss the results of the first Project Result, that is the main DIGITOUR survey results, and the conclusions drawn from the interviews during the research phase of the project.

As part of the research phase of the project, the DIGITOUR partners disseminated a survey targeting tourism SMEs, representatives, stakeholders, and experts in each of the 5 different countries to assess the skills required for a digital age. From Malta, MBB received over 50+ survey responses, indicating a high interest in the local digital competencies. The project partners also conducted interviews with experts in the field with hands-on knowledge of the current digital skills gaps and key digital needs of the sector. By asking the same questions to different audiences in different countries, the objective was to get diverse perspectives and feedback.

The discussion was immensely useful and the questions that were raised will now guide the DIGITOUR partners in their endeavour to develop specific and focused high-quality VET learning best suited to Europe’s tourism SMEs. By analysing the situation of tourism SMEs, the partners will be able to conduct an in-depth assessment of the knowledge gaps which will then be used to outline the training needs. In addition to training, the partners also agreed that making support materials and resources available to trainees is also key when building the curriculum framework to ultimately achieve an effective digital skills e-learning tool.

An evaluation of all the main outcomes from each country indicated that there is a persistent need for digital skills training in Ireland, Spain, Greece, the Netherlands, and Malta alike. In this regard, DIGITOUR aims to ensure that tourism SMEs across invest in the digital skills of the next generation of tourism employees so that Europe addresses and tackles the present skills gap.

For more information, visit the project website https://www.digitourproject.eu/ or kindly contact MBB Projects Executive Martina Spiteri on mspiteri@mbb.org.mt.

The DIGITOUR Project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, is led by Inishowen Development Partnership (Ireland), IDEC S.A. (Greece), EOLAS S.L. (Spain), Business Development Friesland (the Netherlands), Eurodimensions, and Malta Business Bureau (Malta).