Sustainability in business and tourism training
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Sustainability has become an essential pillar in business and tourism. In Spain, business and tourism schools are adapting their training programs to the growing demands of the market and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN. This change responds to the need to train professionals capable of integrating sustainable models in tourism companies and destinations in the face of challenges such as climate change and social inequality.
Professional development and flexibility
Defined in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agendathe 17 SDGs set out 169 goals to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and improve the global quality of life. According to the Sustainable Development Solution Network's Guide to Getting Started with the SDGs at Universities by the Sustainable Development Solution Network, educational institutions play a crucial role in their implementation due to their capacity to generate and disseminate knowledge.
Universities are essential to address the social, economic and environmental challenges of the SDGs. Their capacity for innovation, research and leadership positions them as key agents in the transformation of societies and economies. Jeffrey D. Sachs, director of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, emphasizes that universities must act as solution networks to guide governments, businesses and communities towards sustainable development, in addition to incubating technologies that facilitate this goal.
This approach places educational institutions in a prominent position to lead the transition to responsible and sustainable practices in all sectors.
Sustainability in business schools
Sustainability training has acquired a central place in business schools in Spain. These institutions have adapted their programs to prepare students in business management from a perspective that prioritizes environmental and social aspects. According to Antonio Alonso, president of the Spanish Association of Business Schools (AEEN), the incorporation of sustainability into curricula responds to the growing awareness of the crucial role of entrepreneurs in sustainable development and the global climate agenda.
"This drive to integrate sustainability must meet two conditions: act quickly to mitigate the effects of the 1.5-degree increase by 2050 and ensure that future generations find a balance between development and environment," says Alonso, highlighting the connection between educational programs and the SDGs.
Sustainability in tourism schools
In a country like Spain, where tourism represents an essential part of the economy, sustainability has become a key pillar of training in this sector. Tourism schools are transforming their programs to include courses and internships that prepare students to lead a more responsible tourism, in tune with the challenges of the 21st century.
Institutions such as the Asturias University School of Tourism have implemented courses certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), allowing students to obtain international certifications that strengthen their employability. This approach will enable future professionals to contribute to sustainability and transform the tourism industry into a more environmentally conscious and respectful model.
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EUROPAMUNDO VACACIONES
Europamundo Vacaciones' Sustainable Management System (SGS) emphasizes inclusion and diversity within its team, promoting policies of equality, emotional well-being and labor sustainability. This holistic approach to sustainability positions Europamundo as a benchmark in the industry, driving positive changes in the workplace and fostering a responsible work environment.
In Spain, several educational institutions are leading the way in integrating sustainability into their educational programs, preparing students to face the environmental and social challenges of the future:
IESE Business School: Its Sustainable Leadership Initiative and MBA sustainability modules train leaders in topics such as circular economy, ESG and sustainable development, complemented by conferences and events to promote responsible business practices.
EAE Business School: stands out with its Master's Degree in Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, which combines theory and practical projects in areas such as carbon footprint, green bonds and corporate reputation strategies.
Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona: its Master's Degree in Tourism Innovation and Sustainability offers training in sustainable tourism project management and innovation, addressing the planning of responsible tourism products.
Universidad Europea: through its University School of Sustainability integrates knowledge of business and tourism sustainability aligned with the SDGs, strengthening student leadership.
University of Malaga: in its Tourism degrees, students take subjects such as Sustainable Resource Management and Tourism and Environment, focusing on energy efficiency and waste reduction.
University of Alicante: the Responsible Tourism and Ethics course of the Tourism degree promotes sustainable principles to minimize environmental impact in tourist destinations, complemented by research programs in sustainability.
Universidad Complutense de Madrid: its Master's Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management and Planning trains experts in tourism projects that respect the environment and add value to local communities.
Universidad Rey Juan Carlos: its Chair of Sustainable Tourism organizes workshops and conferences in collaboration with companies and environmental organizations, bringing students closer to the professional environment.
Sustainability has evolved from being an added value to becoming a fundamental necessity. Tourism and business schools in Spain are committed to this transition, integrating sustainable principles into their programs in order to train professionals capable of transforming the sector and responding to today's environmental and social challenges.