EPIC STAYS overall objective was to upskill European tourism businesses (especially rural and remote) leading to the development of new, alternative tourism accommodation offerings firstly in our partner countries of Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Italy and Slovenia and thereafter wider growth across Europe. EPIC STAYS hoped to play a key role in rebuilding and refocusing European tourism VET for a more sustainable, resilient future. This overarching objective was underpinned by our selected priorities CONTRIBUTING TO INNOVATION IN VET: changing the way in which VET is practised, making it more relevant to the current and future needs of the economy and society ENVIRONMENT AND FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE: awareness raising about the green transition, environmental and climate-change challenges, developing competences CREATING UPSKILLING PATHWAYS for ADULTS with a low level of skills, knowledge and competences, ensuring access to relevant learning throughout life.
The project was mindful that the European VET sector (IVET and CVET) has a key role to play in ensuring the tourism industry remains relevant, resilient and competitive. The project responds to the call for greater INNOVATION AND A CHANGE IN HOW VET IS PRACTISED, making it more relevant to the current and future needs of the economy and society. The OECD highlights that tourism businesses must develop business acumen, new agile ways of working, and undertake dynamic management if they are to compete in the global tourism system. BUT this is difficult for EU tourism SME’s who have limited capacity, time and resources to invest in skills development. The project aim was to change the way tourism VET is currently offered by the proposed partnership. With regard to the current and future needs of the economy and society, there is a clear mandate for EPIC STAYS. Europe is in the midst of an accommodation crisis that is severely impacting the availability of tourism accommodation. By focusing on alternative tourism accommodation, EPIC STAYS can contribute to the environment and fight against CLIMATE CHANGE. The construction industry has a large impact on the natural environment with some studies stating it is responsible for up to 50%