SEEDS & SKILLS – Nurturing Skills to Heal Tourism Places

Faced with growing challenges linked to climate change, environmental degradation and the loss of local communities’ identity, the tourism sector now faces the need for a profound transformation. The traditional model of tourism development often leads to the overexploitation of natural resources, the erosion of cultural heritage and growing social inequalities.

The SEEDS & SKILLS project addresses these challenges by promoting an approach based on regenerative tourism—one that not only minimizes the negative impacts of tourism but actively contributes to environmental restoration, the strengthening of local communities, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

The project aims to educate a new generation of tourism sector professionals and entrepreneurs who will be able to combine innovation, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Project objectives

SEEDS & SKILLS focuses on developing the competencies needed to transform the tourism sector toward a more sustainable and responsible model.

The main objectives of the project are:

• to develop the competencies of teachers, students, and tourism sector employees in the areas of regenerative tourism and sustainable development,
• to develop an innovative training program and an e-learning platform based on case studies and best practices,
• strengthening cooperation between the education sector, the business community, and local communities to jointly develop regenerative models of tourism development,
• developing a Regenerative Tourism Manifesto that will serve as a reference point for the tourism industry, policymakers, and educational institutions.

Target groups

The project is aimed at a broad audience associated with the tourism sector:

• students at vocational schools and universities offering programs in tourism,
• employees and entrepreneurs in the tourism sector (hotels, travel agencies, local tourism companies),
• teachers and trainers in vocational education institutions,
• local communities and stakeholders, such as NGOs, local governments, cultural institutions, and local leaders.

Key project outcomes

The project will produce several key outcomes supporting the development of regenerative tourism:

• Roadmap for Skills Transformation in Tourism
  a roadmap identifying the new skills and job profiles needed in the tourism sector of the future.
• SEEDS & SKILLS Training Program
  an interactive educational program and e-learning platform containing training modules, case studies, and practical tools.
• Educational package for teachers and trainers
  materials supporting the integration of regenerative tourism principles into vocational education programs.
• Action Circles, tzw. Kręgi działania
  local collaboration groups bringing together representatives from education, business, and local communities, working on the implementation of regenerative practices.
• Regenerative Tourism Manifesto
  a document co-created by project partners and stakeholders, outlining directions for the development of more responsible tourism in Europe.

Added value

SEEDS & SKILLS brings an innovative approach to vocational education by integrating:

• green skills,
• digital skills,
• social and entrepreneurial skills.

As a result, future employees in the tourism sector will be prepared not only to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism but also to actively restore ecosystems, strengthen local communities, and support local economies.

The project will contribute to building a more resilient, sustainable, and responsible tourism sector in Europe.

Planned activities

The project will include, among other things:

• analysis of case studies and identification of new professional profiles in regenerative tourism,
• development and implementation of a training program and an educational platform,
• international training sessions and pilot initiatives for teachers and students,
• creation and development of Action Circles—local spaces for collaboration between education, business, and communities,
• development and publication of the Regenerative Tourism Manifesto,
• information campaigns, local events, and a project wrap-up seminar.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.