Behind every successful alternative accommodation in Slovenia is a host that blends entrepreneurship with creativity. From eco-lodge operators to glamping site managers, these hosts serve as inspiring case studies for Vocational Education and Training (VET) learners in tourism.
For example, family run glamping sites in Bled demonstrate how small businesses can leverage digital marketing, sustainability, and customer care to thrive. Mountain lodges demonstrate resilience and adaptation skills that are crucial for managing seasonal tourism.
Photo 6: Family-run Farmstay in Slovenia
Photo Credit: https://www.farmstays-slovenia.si/week-slovenian-tourist-farms
VET learners in Slovenia can gain valuable insights from local hosts in the tourism and hospitality sectors. These insights revolve around several key areas crucial to fostering a dynamic and sustainable tourism environment.
- Cultural Competence and Community Engagement: Local hosts in Slovenia often emphasize the importance of community engagement and cultural competence in tourism. VET learners can learn how to effectively interact with visitors while preserving and promoting the local culture and traditions. This approach not only enhances visitor experience, but also fosters a deeper sense of community pride and identity, which is essential for sustainable tourism development (Deale, 2016).
- Sustainability Practices: Slovenian hosts often incorporate sustainable practices into their business models. This includes energy-efficient operations, waste reduction, and promotion of sustainable local products. VET learners can observe and adopt these practices to understand the importance of sustainability in tourism and how it contributes to the preservation of Slovenia’s natural beauty and cultural heritage (Mohammad et al. 2024).
- Entrepreneurial Skills: The Insights from local entrepreneurs highlight the necessity for creativity, critical thinking, and understanding the dynamic nature of tourism. VET learners can be encouraged to develop entrepreneurial skills that are crucial for adapting to changing market demands and creating innovative tourism products and services (Deale, 2016).
- Integration of Technology: As the tourism and hospitality sectors increasingly integrate technology to enhance visitor experiences, VET learners can benefit from understanding these technological applications, from booking systems to customer service technologies. This knowledge helps learners remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape (Emeršič et al., 2024).
- Networking and Collaboration: The tourism sector in Slovenia often relies on local networks and collaborations to enhance service delivery and marketing strategies. VET learners can learn the value of building strong partnerships within an industry to leverage resources and enhance service offerings (Fieger et al., 2024).
These lessons from local Slovenian hosts equip VET learners with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the tourism and hospitality industry, preparing them for successful careers while contributing to sustainable development goals.
Photo 7: VET learners VSGT Maribor
Photo Credit: Archive VSGT Maribor
The Epic Stays Contribution to European Alternative Tourism
Epic Stays facilitate cross-border learning, ensuring that best practices from each country are shared and implemented across Europe. The project aligns with the EU objectives to enhance alternative accommodation through the following:
• Training and Education: Equipping SMEs with knowledge of sustainability, heritage tourism, and digital transformation. See the Modules and Case Studies sections.
• Networking and Collaboration: Creating a pan-European community of alternative accommodation providers. Connect and join our hybrid conferences or clinics.
• Quality and Standards Development: Promoting consistency in alternative tourism while celebrating national uniqueness.
“Diversity is the strength of European tourism. By learning from each other, we create a more sustainable and immersive travel experience.” European Travel Commission.
A Collective Path to Tourism Excellence Each European country offers a distinct alternative tourism experience, shaped by cultural traditions, policy frameworks, and regional priorities. Epic Stays ensure that these unique approaches contribute to a high-quality, innovative, and sustainable European tourism sector.
References:
Fieger, P., Rice, J. L., Prayag G., & Hall C. M. (2024). Employment outcomes for Australian tourism and hospitality VET graduates During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education, 37(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1080/10963758.2023.2295554
Deale, C. S. (2016). Entrepreneurship education in hospitality and tourism: Insights from entrepreneurs. Journal of Teaching in Travel & Tourism, 16(1), 20–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/15313220.2015.1117957
Mohammad, B. T., Mushfika, H., & Iva, R. D. (2024). Opportunities of tourism and hospitality education in Bangladesh: Career perspectives. I-Manager’s Journal on Management, 18(3), 21. https://doi.org/10.26634/jmgt.18.3.20385
Emeršič, Ž., Durães, D., Domingues, C., Renda, C., Costa, A., Meh Peer, N., Abreu, C., Novais, P., Prieto, A., Meizoso-García, M., Peer, P., María Bey, J., Pedro Silva, A., & Hrastnik, G. (2024). Integrating AI into VET: Insights from AIM@VET’s First Training Activity. Intechopen. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1004949
