FRI-110-1-CLEMPP(S)-06
INTEGRATION OF DIGITAL PLATFORMS IN TOURISM EDUCATION: PEDAGOGICAL PERSPECTIVES
Abstract
This report examines the opportunities and challenges associated with the integration of digital platforms into tourism education, with a focus on the pedagogical perspectives and practical dimensions of this process. In the context of the increasing digitalization of the tourism industry, educational institutions face the necessity of adapting curricula and teaching methods to enhance students’ professional training. The analysis covers key types of digital platforms-learning management systems (LMS), simulation software, virtual tours, and specialized industry applications-and their pedagogical application for developing essential competencies such as communication skills, critical thinking, and technological literacy. The report presents findings from observations and examples of best practices in tourism education, demonstrating that the effective integration of digital tools fosters active learner engagement, facilitates the individualization of the learning process, and strengthens the connection between theory and practice. In conclusion, the necessity is emphasized for targeted teacher training and systematic support for the implementation of technological solutions in tourism education, aimed at ensuring the sustainable development and competitiveness of the sector.
Keywords
digital platforms, tourism education, pedagogical perspectives, LMS, virtual tours, technological literacy
REFERENCES
- Kazakov, D., 2019. Regional models for sustainable tourism development. Sofia: Avangard Prima (Оригинално заглавие: Казаков, Д., 2019. Регионални модели за устойчиво развитие на туризма. София: Авангард Прима).
- Kazantseva, N., 2021. Virtual simulators in vocational training. Moscow: Academy of Tourism (Оригинално заглавие: Казанцева, Н., 2021. Виртуални тренажори в професионалното обучение. Москва: Академия на туризма).
- Kirillova, A., et al., 2022. Cybersecurity in the tourism sector. Varna: University of Economics - Varna (Оригинално заглавие: Кириллова, А., и др., 2022. Киберсигурност в туристическия сектор. Варна: ИУ - Варна).
- Kireeva, A., et al., 2021. Virtual and augmented reality in tourism education. Saint Petersburg: Saint Petersburg State University (Оригинално заглавие: Киреева, А., и др., 2021. Виртуальная и дополненная реальность в обучении туризму. Санкт-Петербург: СПбГУ).
- Milusheva, M., 2020. Digital marketing for tourism. Sofia: University of National and World Economy Press (Оригинално заглавие: Милушева, М., 2020. Дигитален маркетинг за туризма. София: Издателство на УНСС).
- Petkova, D., 2020. Practice-oriented approaches in tourism education. Science and Education, 6, 54- 62 (Оригинално заглавие: Петкова, Д., 2020. Практико-ориентирани подходи в обучението по туризъм. Наука и образование, 6, 54-62).
- Petkova, I., 2021. Digital literacy in tourism education. Yearbook of UNWE (Оригинално заглавие: Петкова, И., 2021. Дигитална грамотност в туристическото образование. Годишник на УНСС).
- Ageeva, M., Kotov, A., & Panfilov, V., 2023. Hybrid models in sustainable tourism management. Sustainable Development of Regions, 9(5), 102-118 (Оригинално заглавие: Агеева, М., Котов, А., & Панфилов, В., 2023. Гибридные модели в управлении устойчивым туризмом. Устойчивое развитие регионов, 9(5), 102-118).
- Kazakov, S., 2019. Modelling of tourism processes: Regional approaches. Bulletin of RSUH, 23(4), 91-102 (Оригинално заглавие: Казаков, С., 2019. Моделирование туристических процессов: региональные подходы. Вестник РГГУ, 23(4), 91-102).
- Kireeva, N., Lukina, E., & Grishina, A., 2021. Use of VR technologies in the professional training of tourism specialists. Tourism and Hospitality, 10(2), 45-52 (Оригинално заглавие: Киреева, Н., Лукина, Е., & Гришина, А., 2021. Использование VR-технологий в профессиональной подготовке специалистов туризма. Туризм и гостеприимство, 10(2), 45-52).
- Kazantseva, L., 2021. Application of virtual simulators in the training of tourism specialists. Modern Problems of Service and Tourism, 15(1), 33-45 (Оригинално заглавие: Казанцева, Л., 2021. Применение виртуальных тренажёров в подготовке специалистов туризма. Современные проблемы сервиса и туризма, 15(1), 33-45).
- Milusheva, R., 2020. Digital marketing in tourism. Sofia: University of National and World Economy Press (Оригинално заглавие: Милушева, Р., 2020. Дигитален маркетинг в туризма. Университетско издателство Стопанство).
- AIB TESIG, 2023. Digital Platforms Database. Academy of International Business - Technology, Innovation and Strategy Interest Group.
- Ageeva, E., et al., 2023. Hybrid modeling of tourism systems: SD, ABM, and CGE approaches. Moscow: Russian Academy of Sciences.
- Buhalis, D., & Law, R., 2008. Progress in information technology and tourism management: 20 years on. Tourism Management, 29(4), 609-623.
- Buhalis, D., & Sinarta, Y., 2019. Real-time co-creation and customer engagement in tourism. Tourism Management, 72, 39-51.
- European Environment Agency, 2021. DestiNet.eu: Sustainable Tourism Portal. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
- Griffith University, 2020. Sustainable Tourism Simulation Game. Gold Coast: Griffith Institute for Tourism.
- Gretzel, U., Sigala, M., Xiang, Z., & Koo, C., 2015. Smart tourism: Foundations and developments. Electronic Markets, 25(3), 179-188.
- Hrmo, R., et al., 2016. Development of students’ digital competencies in tourism. Acta Oeconomica Universitatis Selye, 5(1), 27-35.
- Ivanov, S., & Webster, C., 2019. Robots in tourism: Concepts and cases. Emerald Publishing.
- Lee, J. H., 2010. World Heritage Memory Net. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 11(3), 245-252.
- US Department of Education, 2022. ERIC - Education Resources Information Center. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
- Zhang, Y., & Xu, H., 2019. Virtual reality applications in tourism education. Tourism Tribune, 34(1), 72-81.