The piloting phase: Expression of interest for participation
This section contains the information about the piloting phase, the engagement of participants, and the modality of submission
Info
Engagement of participants
Modality of submission
The piloting phase of the START project supports the personal and professional development of tourism workers in partner countries through a TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR GREEN AND DIGITAL UPSKILLING FOR TOURISM OPERATORS to guide and inspire them towards rethinking their business models in a circular key, exploiting new digital technologies.
It is directed to at least 80 workers from 4 EU countries (20 IT, 20 PT, 20 ES, 20 EL) of SMEs in the tourism sector with particular reference to travel agencies, tour operators and the hotel industry.
The pilot training programme offers participants free access to:
- OER – Open Educational Resources as microlearning pills and metaverse solutions
- Circular Tourism Tool to realise an as-is-to be analysis for the circular transformation of their professional action infusing digital and green innovation into business models, processes and practices
- Operational Tool to design and implement digital solutions to innovate, in their own organisational contexts, the range of tourism products/services offered in a sustainable way.
These products will be placed in an innovative app (START-APP) that will not only allow the showcasing of participant companies but also entrance to a series of itineraries to discover European countries.
The Program covers the following topics:
- What is tourism
- The Tourist
- The Environmental Impact of Tourism
- The main EU policies to promote the twin transition in tourism
- The Tourism Insight
- The Future of Tourism
- Digitization and Sustainability
- Social Media and Marketing in the tourism sector
- Certification of Sustainable Performance
- Rethinking Tourism
Engagement of participants
Applicants to piloting will be required to engage in an innovative blended programme structured in different phases:
01
Training through the OER method:
- Educational Programme
- 9 microlearning pills
- 1 metaverse solution
- 2 branching scenarios
Duration: approx. 40h to view but also provides a wealth of further insights if participants want to further study the topic
02
Participation in the START Project Labs articulated in a circular flow of inspiration, activation and reflection aim to provide attendees with the necessary competences to act as agents of change in their businesses thanks to:
- Inspirational session: participants will be inspired towards greater sustainability through digital technologies with the presentation of case studies, success stories, testimonials. Duration: approx. 1 hour
- Circular Tourism Tool Application: each participant will undertake an as-is-to be analysis carried out in action learning applying the START Circular Tourism Tool. Duration: approx. 1 hour
- Application of the model to conceive new sustainable digital products/services, where participants will develop innovative solutions for process sustainability: Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Digital Solution developing using operational tools provided that will be placed in the START-App. Duration: approx. 6 hours
- Future Commitments: to do list that highlights what participants will “take home”. Duration: approx. 1 hour
The call for expressions of interest is open to:
- employees or owners of Micro, Small and Medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or start-ups in the tourism sector (preference given to young people – under 35, women and ethnic minorities)
- Working in a company with an operative registered office located in one of the S.T.A.R.T. pilot regions (Italy, Portugal, Spain, or Greece)
- Operating in at least one of the tourism subsectors (e.g., accommodation, travel agencies, tour operators, hospitality services)
- Committed to participating in the full training program and implementing practices learned in their business
Registration to piloting is open from 15/07/2024 to 30/08/2024.
Applicants will be informed by e-mail about selection results in 7 days after the call is closed.
The selected applicants will be given access to the e-learning platform, containing the OERs and the additional tools. The application form must be completed online at the following link
Candidates who meet the requirements will be admitted within the limit set for each country (20 IT, 20 PT, 20 ES, 20 EL). Any complaint can be placed before 7 days after result communication and will be treated by the Lead partner of the START Project.
At the end of the training experience, expected within 30/11/2024, beneficiaries will receive an attendance certificate. The aforesaid program may undergo some variation in the dates.
The training will be completely free and carried out in blended mode. Any costs incurred by the worker or company will not be refundable. For clarification, please contact: [email protected]
