Learning from our European Partners Peter Lane TMI Bristol 9 th October 2008

Content  General opportunities  Specific projects - VOCMAT

European Commission Initiatives  DG Enterprise  Others

DG Enterprise Specialist reports and studies

DG Enterprise Events

Tourism Sustainability Group

DG Enterprise

 Member State reporting  Networking

Other funding streams  European Regional Development Fund  LIFE Programme  Research programme  Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo Project on Trans-National Networks N° Training Tourism Site (TTS) Training for the Sustainable Development of Tourism Destinations Duration 36 months: January 2003-January 2006 Leonardo da Vinci Programme (Community Vocational Training Action - Second phase: ) Cofinanced by the European Union Network for the Sustainable Development of Tourism Destinations in Europe

Programme Leonardo da Vinci - Training Tourism-Site12 I - Purpose of the project Main objective: To provide training tools to trainers who wish to develop knowledge in the field of sustainable tourism Aims: A.Evaluate the level of supply and demand of distance training for sustainable development of tourism destinations B.On this basis, develop practical, distance learning training tools, for all levels of knowledge in the field of sustainable tourism C.Disseminate the tools through the creation of an internet platform and enegise the TS Network D.Share knowledge between the Leonardo partners and TS members E.Develop knowledge and understanding of sustainable tourism

Programme Leonardo da Vinci - Training Tourism-Site13 11 Partners in 9 EU countries Professional training experts: - DK: RK International (Vocational Training) - GR: Ergon Kek (Vocational Training Centre) - HU: University of Veszprem - Tourism Department - IT: CST Centro Studi Turistici Sustainable tourism experts: - AT: NETS Network of European Tourism Soft Mobility - BE: Tourism-Site, OGM, OPT Wallonie-Bruxelles - FR: AFIT Agence Française de l’Ingénierie Touristique - UK: Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council - ES: Consorcio de Toledo

Programme Leonardo da Vinci - Training Tourism-Site14 II – Expected project results A. Useful training tools, i.e. case studies, applied exercices, listing of official documents & internet links, glossary of definitions, audio features, pictures & drawing database, discussion forum, methodologies and guidance. B. An internet platform providing easy access to the tools developed C. A publicity document to ‘advertise’ the existence of the training website

Programme Leonardo da Vinci - Training Tourism-Site15 III – Intended project beneficiaries A. Present Tourism-Site Network members B. Future Tourism-Site Network members (destinations involved in the survey, members of the evaluation & scientific committee, etc.) C. Leonardo partners D. Anyone interested in sustainable tourism, i.e. tourism destination managers, academics… Main recipients: Potential and present trainers in the field of sustainable tourism

Programme Leonardo da Vinci - Training Tourism-Site16 IV – Role of the internet tool A. To provide easy access to information & training tools B. To proviide a platform for a discussion forum and knowledge exchange (supported by technical workshops) C. Accessibility without frontiers – e.g. multiplicity of languages D. Sustainability of the Leonardo project linked with follow- up with future actions, projects

Overview  Project organisation  Budget  Expected Outputs Programme Leonardo da Vinci - Training Tourism-Site17

Results  The good ones  The not so good ones  The problems - Organisational /project understanding - Partner Issues - Work programming - Relationship with the funding Agency

Vocational Management Training for the European Tourism Industry (VocMat )

21 Background - Europe needs to raise its game  World tourism arrivals growing:+6.1%  Europe recording lowest results: +4.2%  Asia & Pacific: +10.2%; Middle East: +13.4%  Europe = mature market  customer expectations are growing  Need for higher quality/value for money  Europe’s managers need training support  Management skills vital Source: UNWTO Jan 2008

22  Research (European, national, local)  Existing skills gaps in management  Problems:  No time available  High cost of training  Replacement of staff on training  Distance to training courses  Not available in workplace What is the problem?

23 Aims of VocMat  To develop a European solution for tourism industry  To deliver a new, innovative, flexible training method  To target middle & senior tourism managers & owners

The VocMat Partnership: 4 Tourism bodies: –Tourist Board Training (UK) –Estonian Tourist Board –Icelandic Association of Tourist Officers –Tourism Management Institute (UK) 4 Universities: –Pärnu College of Tartu University (Est.) –Icelandic School of Tourism –Robert Gordon University (UK) –Sheffield Hallam University (UK)

The VocMat Solution Flexible model using a range of mechanisms Accredited tourism modules to test the relevance and suitability of the model Tested by transnational pilot group Masters-level curriculum designed for European managers

Project Management Meet as soon & as often as possible Project Management Plan Milestones Chart Formal & Informal Contact Delegate Funding Agency contact

Role of Manager & Partners Roles & Responsibilities Working Groups: Project Management; Research & Development; Valorisation Partnership: Quarterly Reports

Sub-contracting Confirm Costs Detailed Contracts Clear Responsibilities Disputes Collective partner responsibility

Budget Control Establish quarterly procedures Revise/confirm overall budget Revise/confirm partner budget Signed agreements per partner Review budget at each meeting Watch out for ‘curved balls’

Valorisation Establish Corporate Identity, Website etc early Identify & Record all activities Quarterly Reports from each Partner Review activities/targets at each meeting

32 The VocMat 2 Partnership  Tourism bodies:  Tourist Board Training (UK – Applicant)  Catalan Assoc of Tourist Officers (APTALC)  Estonian Tourist Board  Malta Tourism Society  Tourism Management Institute (UK)  Universities:  Pärnu College of Tartu University (Est.)  Sheffield Hallam University (UK)  Sungurlu VTDA (Turkey)  University of Florence  University of Girona  University of Malta

Key Lessons 1  Clarity of purpose that is shared with all participants  Fulfilling the funding criteria  A clear justification for the project  Well chosen partners  Good leadership and organisational support  Clear, achievable outputs

Key Lessons 2  Realistic work programme  Regular and effective communication  Good financial control  Good internal and external evaluation  A good working relationship with the funding agency

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