QUALITY UPSKILLING IN AGROTOURISM FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION AND EXPERIENCE, UPSKILL+

<< Background >> UPSKILL+ project was designed to address the critical skills gap in the agrotourism sector, particularly in rural areas where employment opportunities are limited, and traditional training is often inaccessible. In 2020 a new background paper on access to adult learning in rural areas by the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) was published aiming to raise awareness of the barriers and challenges that rural adults face, as well as the necessity for adult education providers and policy-makers to always take into consideration their unique context and needs.Many rural entrepreneurs and workers lack the necessary sustainable business practices, digital competencies, and entrepreneurial skills required to thrive in agrotourism. These gaps leave them at risk of unemployment, social exclusion, and economic vulnerability. In Europe there is a lack of an upskilling path and training resources in the field of sustainable agritourism for adults, by developing a tailored upskilling pathway, UPSKILL+ aimed to meet these needs and foster sustainable development in these communities, empowering individuals with the skills to create and manage agrotourism ventures aligned with Green Deal principles.<< Objectives >>The main objective of UPSKILL+ is to enhance the agrotourism entrepreneurship competences of adult learners through the development of a tailored training path that will upskill them via an online collaborative platform based on innovation and sustainability.SO1: To co-design an innovative, inclusive and sustainable upskilling training program for adults in the rural areas. This group face barriers and challenges related to the depopulation of rural areas and the devaluation of agrarian culture in Europe, and a more difficult access to specialised training and education. SO2: To contribute to the recovery of the agrotourism sector through innovation and the collaboration with other sectors based on principles like green sustainability and social inclusion. Agrotourism and experiential tourism, represent a new approach of sustainable tourism, alleviating overexploitation of resources and local communities and specialising in sustainable local product and services.SO3: To improve the employability and entrepreneurial mindset of different generations adults in the agrotourism sector. This sector opens up new markets and increases employment opportunities, particularly for women, young and adult people<< Implementation >>In the UPSKILL+, the whole initial work programme planned was implemented to achieve our objectives. First, a needs assessment was conducted through the development of a Skill Matrix and Skill map, where participants completed questionnaires to identify the training gaps in the agrotourism sector and identify inspiring activities. This allowed partners to tailor the educational content. Then, a digital platform was developed featuring nine interactive training modules and learning pills focused on sustainable tourism, digital tools, and business management. The platform provided flexible, open-access training.Skill Groups in each partner region were formed, creating opportunities for peer learning, feedback, and networking. These groups helped foster collaboration and exchange of best practices. To promote the project and engage stakeholders, a series of Feed the Landscape Festivals and workshops were organised, reaching rural entrepreneurs, local authorities, and policymakers. Additionally, the consortium held online and face-to-face transnational partner meetings to coordinate efforts, monitor progress, and refine project outputs based on participant feedback, ensuring the training materials were relevant and impactful.<< Results >>•Digital Learning Platform: A platform hosting nine interactive training modules and learning pills on sustainable agrotourism, digital tools, and business management. •Skill Matrix: A tool identifying the key competencies required in the agrotourism sector, based on feedback from participants and stakeholders.•Skill Map: A collection of best practices and successful agrotourism initiatives across Europe, serving as a resource for training development and knowledge sharing.•Skill digital: the digital version of the skill map, a collaborative digital map containing the best practices identified in Europe and open for further collaboration. •Skill Groups: Established in each partner region, providing opportunities for networking, peer learning, and sharing best practices among agrotourism professionals.•Feed the Landscape Festivals: Events organised to engage local stakeholders, promote project results, and encourage sustainable tourism and rural development.•European network of innovation agents in Agrotourism from different regions fostering ongoing collaboration in rural and agrotourism development.