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- Overcoming the crisis caused by COVID-19 and its post-crisis impact by tourism in PortugalPublication . Ferreira, Fernanda A.; Oliveira, Mónica; Miranda, MarianaPurpose - Tourism in Portugal has been growing exponentially in recent years, with a significant impact on the national economy. However, this growth was restricted by the current health crisis, caused by COVID-19. The pandemic has resulted in the confinement of a large part of the world’s population; the cancellation of travel; the closure of most establishments, including those involved in the tourism sector; the increase in the unemployment rate; and other tragic repercussions.The objective of the study is to understand the changes made by the sector to defeat this crisis and predict the most significant modifications in the sector and its impact. Design/methodology - Quantitative research based on a questionnaire survey, which target was the population of employees of tourism enterprises in Portugal. Qualitative research based on data collected in official governments websites, Turismo de Portugal I.P. website and national statistical data websites. Findings - This paper studies the measures implemented by the Portuguese Government and the tourist impact in the economy during the pandemic. It also examines the advantages and disadvantages of the implementation of those measures and how economic recovery is being achieved. From the results of the investigation, it was possible to conclude tourism enterprises generally suffered a considerable impact from the crisis caused by COVID-19. For this reason, they have taken various measures to ensure security conditions for all guests and staff. From the respondents’ answers it is possible to perceive the discontent of the workers with the lack of help from the Portuguese Government.
- Improving environmental sustainability in Hospitality and Tourism: the key strategiesPublication . Oliveira, Mónica; Silva, Susana; Silva, CândidaThe Hotel and Tourism Industry has experienced profound changes in recent years and has been one of the sectors most affected by COVID-19. With the return of tourist activity, many companies went back to their normal routines, but the sector has changed dramatically. Tourists have new expectations, needs, and priorities, and sustainability is the one that is most emphasised, particularly when it comes to excessive water consumption, misuse of energy, and poorly utilised waste. The industry has a unique opportunity to recognise the importance of sustainability and define strategies to guarantee customer satisfaction, in symbiosis with environmental concerns and the preservation of the planet for future generations. This study aims to characterise the good strategies and practices for environmental sustainability in Hospitality and Tourism, namely in terms of energy, water, and waste. The purpose is to present the procedures and processes that lead to greater sustainability performance and to accomplish this a focus group was organised, with 2 hospitality stakeholders, 2 environmental groups stakeholders, and 2 VET (Vocational Education and Training) stakeholders, to discuss and identify the main factors directly related to the excessive use of water and energy and the poor treatment of waste and ranked by the participants. The meeting was done face-to-face, lasted 3 hours, and was based on their expertise and good practices. The Hospitality and Tourism Industry is conscious of its ecological footprint, namely in terms of energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. Considering energy, some examples were given such as electricity-saving practices, using LED bulbs, occupancy sensors, and automatic light controls. With respect to water, it is mandatory to install low-slip faucets and shower heads, reduce laundry and cleaning, and recycle water that can be reused for irrigation or toilet flushing, reducing the use of fresh water. The research presented contributions to the growing Knowledge on this topic, and the findings propose a straightforward guide for managers in the Hospitality and Tourism industry. Further research is endorsed to reinforce the value of environmental sustainability and to involve a greater range of stakeholders with different profiles in the sector.
- The value of skills for a sustainable tourism and hospitality industryPublication . Silva, Susana; Silva, Cândida; Oliveira, MónicaSkills are one of the main themes in academic and labor environments. Nowadays, digital, green, and social and cultural skills are the key to achieving sustainable practices and sustainable development goals. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the current and future needs of digital, green, and social and cultural skills for the tourism and hospitality sectors. This was a quantitative study, with an online survey applied to students, teachers, and professionals. It was a convenience sample with 150 participants. Data were analyzed statistically with IBM SPSS version 28.0. Our results suggested that students, professionals, and trainers value digital, green, and social and cultural skills. With reference to digital skills, all participants considered themselves having an intermediate or advanced level of proficiency. All the participants considered themselves having an intermediate or advanced level of green skills. Regarding social and cultural skills, all the participants considered themselves having an advanced level of proficiency. Therefore, professionals reported higher levels of proficiency in all skills. In the same way, in the tourism sector, we observed higher proficiency levels of skills. To summarize, educational, sectorial, and entrepreneurial sectors recognize the relevance of digital, green, and social-cultural skills for the tourism and hospitality industry. With these skills, the sector will be more prepared to implement sustainability practices and achieve sustainability goals. Additionally, entrepreneurs should value these skills in professionals, and education institutions should integrate the development of these skills into their curricula.