On Wednesday, April 22, the iTED Lab of the Department of Tourism Economics and Management of the University of the Aegean in Chios successfully hosted the National Online Workshop for the CodeBLUE project.
The event served as a dynamic platform, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders—including academics, students, tourism professionals, and local government representatives—to discuss the future of Blue Economy skills in the tourism sector.
Expert Insights & The “Skills Gap”
The workshop was enriched by presentations from invited experts and researchers who shared valuable insights on the sector’s future:
- Sustainable Management: Real-world examples from local destinations were discussed, highlighting the implementation of ecological practices in small and medium-sized hospitality enterprises and the pressing need to prioritize quality over quantity.
- Innovative Education: Representatives from national research centers showcased novel approaches, such as the use of “serious games” for aquaculture, and explored the dynamics of sustainable development in niche markets like fishing and diving tourism.
During the second part of the event, the project’s research team presented the results of the quantitative and qualitative studies conducted within the framework of CodeBLUE. A major takeaway was the identification of a “skills gap” between academic preparation and current market demands. As pointed out by industry representatives, while young graduates possess solid theoretical knowledge, there is a critical need for practical experience, the development of soft skills (such as communication and teamwork), and the cultivation of a more realistic professional culture.
Conclusions and Next Steps
Upon the conclusion of the Workshop, there was a strong consensus among all participants that the successful transition to a sustainable Blue Economy requires collaboration between academia, businesses, and local authorities. Future curricula must adopt a hybrid educational model that organically combines theoretical foundations with practical, on-site training to effectively equip the next generation of professionals.
