Belgium
Duration
2025-2028
Lead institutions
VIVES Noord
Universidad de Cuenca , Mountains of the Moon University , Quy Nhon University , Makerere University Business School
Academic partners
Matthieu Calu
Lourdes Karina Farfán Pacheco , Joshua Wesana , Tran Truc Vien PHAM , Michelle Kiconco
Project status
Ongoing
Programme
ICP Connect
Total budget
748,981.20
Summary
“Beyond the Souvenir: A Multi-Regional Project for Authentic and Sustainable Hospitality Education,” is a collaboration between Belgium, Uganda, Vietnam and Ecuador. It aims to drive transformative change by addressing sustainable tourism challenges. We focus on strengthening educational capacities and performance, while aligning with the needs of regional communities and tourism industry. Our ambition is to empower individuals, HEIs and communities through quality education, practical training and stakeholder collaboration, promoting inclusive and sustainable tourism growth.
Partner regions have significant tourism potential but face obstacles hindering sustainable development. The project aims to equip graduates with a global perspective and necessary skills to minimize tourism’s ecological footprint, protect valuable resources and cultures and ensure local communities benefit from tourism growth. Through course co-creation, students gain cross-cultural skills essential for operating effectively and responsibly in the diverse international environment of sustainable tourism and hospitality. The project’s approach to sustainable hospitality education is practice-oriented and includes scholarships, staff mobility, collaborative course development and stakeholder & alumni network development, aligned with the strategic goals of ICP Connect. It promotes inclusive education, nurtures regional and global collaboration and establishes a resilient educational infrastructure with investments in practical labs.
We integrate sustainability principles into education and practice, aiming to minimize environmental impact and maximizing social and economic benefits (SDGs 1, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, & 15). By fostering partnerships and regional hubs, we promote innovation, knowledge exchange and sector resilience (SDG 17). This project isn’t just about education; it’s about shaping responsible global citizens who can drive positive change in the hospitality industry while respecting our planet and its people.
