Implementation of Digital Excellence and Establishment of Competitiveness Centres in Tourism and Hospitality Education in South-East African Countries

ongoing

Tourism and hospitality (T&H) are a labour-intensive economic activity that depends equally on infrastructure and the quality (education, productivity, commitment and motivation) of the workforce. By 2030, the tourism sectors in Madagascar, Lesotho, and Mauritius will prioritize sustainability, digital transformation, and a diversification of experiences. The three nations will focus on responsible tourism, enhance accessibility, and adopt smart technology as priorities to draw international visitors. Investment in infrastructure, tourism driven by the community, and climate resilience will influence their growth in tourism, guaranteeing long-term advantages for local ecosystems and economies. The national priorities for the T&H development incorporated into the objectives of the DEXIT project are closely related to the objectives of the EU Digital transformation and Green Deal. The introduction of digital technologies, knowledge and skills in education programs in T&H enables greater inclusion of T&H business entities in the tourist product of their countries. Digital education enables women, being majority of the T&H workforce, to be more active in the industry. This promotes EU values, gender equality, right to work, and raises the quality of life in general. DEXIT project has goal to support five African HEI’s in digital transformation of their T&H study programs and creation of new education forms. Together with governmental institutions being DEXIT partners and in cooperation with T&H industry project will create opportunity for accelerated development and employment for the population. All of the above will be realized through the DEXIT project, which aims: a) to modernize study programs in T&H at partner HEI's with a special emphasis on the introduction of digital skills, and technologies (GIS in T&H) and b) to establish Centres of Competitiveness, which will provide existing and future employees in T&H constant education for further specialisation.