A silent change is shaping training opportunities towards a concrete and sustainable professional future. Let’s give him a voice! INNO4Tourism supports universities in Thailand and Laos in innovating and developing robust skills for sustainable tourism under the Erasmus + Capacity Building for Higher Education program.
Now approaching its third year, INNO4Tourism is making this transition increasingly accessible. How? Through structured pathways that connect education, universities, and the world of work in the sustainable tourism sector. The goal is clear: to simplify students’ entry into the job market, with concrete attention to the real needs of the tourism industry.
In a rapidly evolving context such as Thailand and Laos—where the tourism sector is experiencing significant growth—training qualified professionals is not just an opportunity, but a strategic necessity. Investing in skills means building a strong, responsible, and sustainable tourism system, capable of addressing real challenges without compromising the resources and opportunities of future generations.
Along the path envisioned by INNO4Tourism, changes are already visible and tangible: new courses, dedicated career guidance spaces, and opportunities for dialogue with the professional world. All with one shared purpose: to help students become part of a new generation of young professionals. A world where preparation, awareness, competence, and leadership in the tourism sector are the key words for a green transition.
What has been achieved so far?
Among the most impactful results are the new career support offices, now fully operational. The tangible tools made available to students include:
- CV writing support;
- soft skills workshops;
- meetings focused on exploring careers in the tourism sector;
- activities aimed at fostering personal autonomy and self-awareness.
For many, this represents their first structured contact with the professional world, a fundamental step toward confidently approaching the search for their first job.
In 2026, these spaces will become even more central, as they will support more than 165 students participating in upcoming internships. This is a promising, strategic, and valuable opportunity to explore the core of tourism enterprises and put into practice what has been learned during coursework.
Where are we now?
In November, the INNO4Tourism partnership met in Vientiane (Laos), at the Dongdok Campus, hosted by the National University of Laos (NUOL).
The event was an opportunity to strengthen relationships, share perspectives and consolidate a common vision. Starting from the milestones that marked the launch of the project and the results achieved so far, the discussion focused mainly on the future, with the aim of providing increasingly structured support to students and staff throughout 2026.
This confirmed the strength of the collaboration between the partners and their shared desire to continue investing in the development of the tourism sector through training, innovation and international cooperation.
Culture and identity as drivers of tourism development
Speaking about tourism means, first and foremost, speaking about identity, memory, and the ability to enhance a territory’s cultural heritage. In this sense, Laos offers a compelling example of how tradition and innovation can engage in a virtuous dialogue.
A significant case is the Lao Art Museum, founded on the initiative of Phisith Sayathith, an artist raised in a rural area who transformed his passion for wood into an initiative capable of combining sustainability, creativity, and cultural pride. Roots, trunks, and reclaimed materials become sculptures that reinterpret Lao spirituality and identity, creating a space that preserves memory while simultaneously looking toward the future. A place that is gaining an increasingly recognizable role in Vientiane’s creative and tourism scene.
Experiences like this strongly reflect the spirit of INNO4Tourism: strengthening skills, promoting sustainable models, and contributing to the development of responsible tourism, capable of enhancing local resources and generating lasting opportunities for communities.
During the mission to Vientiane, the partnership had the opportunity to visit the museum. It was truly enriching. However even more inspiring was sharing it—after a year—with people who share ideas and future perspectives, and who see projects aimed at strengthening skills in higher education as a unique opportunity to consolidate international academic cooperation.It was the perfect conclusion to our journey in Laos and leaves us full of enthusiasm for the coming months of INNO4Tourism.
Are you interested in the future of sustainable tourism? Don’t miss upcoming opportunities and follow INNO4Tourism’s developments on Facebook and LinkedIn.
About INNO4Tourism
INNO4Tourism – Innovative Programmes for the Lifelong Learning of the Sustainable Tourism Workforce is a three-year project funded by Erasmus+ programme, Capacity building in the field of higher education (ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE).
Partners
- Prince of Songkla University (Thailand, coordinator)
- Chiang Mai University (Thailand)
- National University Of Laos (Lao PDR)
- Savannakhet University (Lao PDR)
- University Of Macedonia (Greece)
- Symplexis (Greece)
- Universita Degli Studi Di Palermo (Italy)
- CESIE ETS (Italy)
- Phuket Tourist Association (Thailand)
For further information
Read more about INNO4Tourism.
Visit our website or contact Marika D’Angelo at: marika.dangelo@cesie.org.
