The Development Traps of Latin America and the CaribbeanA reflection on the scenario faced by higher education institutions in tourism
Humberto Rivas Ortega (Chile) I. Summary ECLAC identifies three major “traps” that hinder development in Latin America and the Caribbean—low growth, high inequality, and weak governance—which also affect the tourism sector, and are further exacerbated by climate change. This context calls for a revision of tourism development models and the…
The Development of Professional Competencies for Sustainable Rural Tourism: The Heart Behind Development
Marco Antonio Abastoflor Portugal, (Bolivia) I. Summary Rural tourism in Bolivia, exemplified by Toro Toro, shows how training, community leadership, and the valorization of heritage can transform communities. Through competencies in hospitality, sustainability, and management, an inclusive and resilient local economy is fostered. Educational institutions—from primary schools to universities—play a…
Touristologist vs. Tourismologist: Conceptual Differences and Approaches
Edison Rubén Molina Velásquez (Ecuador) I. SUMMARY In Latin America, distinguishing between touristologist and tourismologist is essential for shaping tourism professionals. The touristologist focuses on traveler behavior, motivations, and experiences, linking to fields such as psychology and marketing. In contrast, the tourismologist studies tourism as a whole, integrating economic, social,…
Meritocracy and Technocracy in Peru’s Tourism Sector
Carlos Villena Lescano (Perú) I. Summary Tourism is a strategic activity whose development in Peru is hindered by the lack of meritocracy and the appointment of authorities lacking technical suitability. Although professional education has advanced, clientelist practices and political decisions continue to weaken public sector management. Meritocracy, based on objective…
Continuous Training: The Essential Passport to Compete in 21st-Century Tourism
Mònica Muñoz (Spain) 1. Summary The rapid technological transformation of tourism demands ongoing training to remain professionally competitive. A university degree alone is no longer sufficient: companies require digital skills, critical thinking, and adaptability. Major hotel chains like Marriott and Meliá invest in continuous learning to update staff competencies. The…
The Choice of a Career in Hospitality and Tourism: Motivators and Decisions in the Current Context
IntroductionChoosing a career in hospitality and tourism is a decision that many young people face with enthusiasm and expectations. What motivates students to choose this field? Is it the passion for service, family influence, the prestige of the industry, or economic opportunities? This article explores these factors through a narrative…
Practitioners of Tourism: A Bet for the Sector’s Reactivation
“`html Since the beginning of the lockdown in early 2020, we have experienced countless situations in various aspects of our lives. Some of the lessons learned during this time lead us to reflect on how quickly we have adopted different scenarios, moving from complicated to ‘everything is possible’. At the…
Training in the tourism sector: a life adventure and a world of possibilities
At certain moments in our lives, we must make momentous decisions. One of them is choosing our university career. Perhaps it could generate a bit of anxiety since it will largely shape our future. Amidst a reality as uncertain as the one we currently live in, choosing and making the…
Some Reflections on the Challenges in Training Future Tourism Professionals
Recently, after two years of enforced lockdown, I had the opportunity to travel abroad to a wonderful destination, Machu Picchu. This allowed me to reconnect with what travel represents for me and many humans: a pause for reflection and reconnection with ourselves, where each journey leaves invisible but profound marks…