Tourism plays a significant role in the EU economy, contributing to over 10% of its GDP and employing around 20 million people. However, the sector faces several challenges in its transition to sustainability. It is also grappling with workforce shortages and lower qualifications compared to the EU average.  

To address these challenges, EU initiatives like the Transition Pathway for Tourism, European Green Deal,  EU Pact for Skills and the EU Tourism Dashboard are directing efforts to boost sustainability and competitiveness in the tourism and hospitality sectors. High-quality apprenticeships can help individuals to upskill and reskill, empowering apprentices to make these sectors more sustainable.  

The webinar ‘Journey to sustainability: the role of apprenticeships in supporting tourism and hospitality’ will bring together experts, social partners, industry stakeholders and representatives from the European Commission to explore how apprenticeships can support the sectors’ transition towards sustainability.  

Key topics will include: 

• overview of the current state of the tourism and hospitality sectors in the EU, casting light on sustainable apprenticeship initiatives that tackle sectoral challenges such as workforce shortages, seasonality, low skill levels, and limited appeal to potential employees; 

• examination of future trends and the post-COVID-19 landscape in the tourism and hospitality sectors, exploring how apprenticeships support mobility (e.g. Erasmus+), introduce opportunities related to twin transitions, and promote social and transversal skills; 

• showcase of best practices demonstrating the integration of green and digital skills into tourism and hospitality apprenticeships. 

The webinar will be moderated by Anna Barbieri, Team Leader for Apprenticeships and Erasmus+ at the European Commission, and will feature the following panellists: 

• Lina Tsaltampasi, CEO at OECON Group; 

• Virginie Demoucron, Tourism Sector Secretary at the European Federation of Food, Agriculture and Tourism Trade Unions (EFFAT); 

• Lajos Borocz, Secretary General of VIMOSZ 

The webinar will also feature a thematic introduction by Branka Jiri, Expert in Labour Market Intelligence and Skill Needs at CEDEFOP and the participation of Mr. Dylan Werner, President of the National Section of the Best Apprentices of France (SnMAF) and 2022 World Skills Champion in Restaurant Service. 

Register for the webinar.