In this project focus was in sustainable tourism and travelling from a socio-cultural point of view. The aim of the project was to gather information on how socio-cultural sustainability in tourism and travelling is understood and what kind of actions have been taken in partner countries in terms of socio-cultural sustainability in tourism companies and organizations, and how socio-cultural sustainability is considered in vocational education and training in partner countries. The socio-cultural competence of vocational training and the tourism sector was wanted to be developed and for the working life it was wanted to create a digital guidebook on best practices and for organizations offering vocational education, a study unit that increases the socio-cultural competence of teachers and students wanted to be created. Target groups are students, teachers, educational organisations, associations and working life of travel and tourism Industry. Target groups were students, teachers, educational organisations, associations and working life of travel and tourism Industry.
The project " Up-skilling Sustainability in Travel and Tourism: The socio-cultural point of view (USiTaT)” was a partnership project in the field of tourism industry, nature and environmental protection and hotel and restaurant services an VET. Tourism evolution at the societal level has changed- consumers awareness about sustainable tourism and they consider these values very important. Tourism industry is an increasing source of income, employment and wealth in many countries. Its rapid expansion has, however, had detrimental environmental and socio-cultural impacts in many tourism regions. Responsible tourism has become development target both globally and locally. The ecological sustainability of sustainable development has been well identified and taken into account in the tourism sector, but socio-cultural sustainability has received less attention. In socio-cultural perspective you can ask what local communities can contribute to sustainable tourism, and what sustainability can offer these local communities in return? Socio-culturally sustainable tourism includes among others: accessibility including among others physical accessibility, races, colours, sexual identities, equality; cultural pride and understanding between