On September 18th, the Spanish partners of the TourX project—Mundus, Asofuer, EHE, and the Cabildo of Fuerteventura—gathered in Fuerteventura to discuss ways to enhance vocational training in the region's tourism sector. The meeting focused on key issues related to employment, skills development, and innovation in tourism.
The key points of our discussion were:
Unemployment and Labor Market Needs
One of the main topics of discussion was the high unemployment rate in the region, ranging between 16% and 19%. Local companies struggle to find workers with the necessary skills, forcing them to provide on-the-job training. Current vocational training programs are not meeting the market’s demands, and there’s a clear need to adjust the educational offerings to bridge this gap.
Tourism and Enhancing the Visitor Experience
One of the most important issues was the high unemployment rate in the region, which stands at between 16% and 19%. Companies face difficulties in finding workers with the necessary skills, which forces them to train their employees internally. Current vocational training is not meeting the needs of the market, and it is essential to adjust the educational offer to reduce this gap.
Aligning Vocational Training with Industry Needs
Another crucial point was the need to adapt vocational training to the new demands of the tourism sector. The development of innovative methodologies to identify required skills and tailor training accordingly was proposed. Local policies supporting customized training programs will be essential for this transformation.
Innovation in Renewable Energy
Sustainability was also a major focus, highlighting the need for a stronger push toward renewable energy in the region. Issues like water management and waste disposal remain significant challenges, requiring innovation and collaboration between the public and private sectors for improvement.
Integrating Local Culture into Tourism
The partners emphasized the importance of incorporating cultural activities and local heritage into the tourism offering, enhancing the visitor experience and boosting the region’s appeal.
Action Plan for the Coming Year
At the end of the meeting, a work plan was developed for the coming year, which includes involving local stakeholders in working groups and analyzing the specific skills required by businesses. The goal is to highlight local talent and create a tourism offering that benefits both the region’s economy and its workforce.
This meeting reaffirms the commitment of the TourX partners to innovation, training, and sustainability, ensuring that tourism development benefits both professionals and the region.
