Argentina, with its diverse landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history, stands as a prime destination for tourists worldwide. However, behind the scenes of this thriving tourism sector in Argentina lies a crucial element often overlooked: education. In this article, we delve into the significance of education in shaping Argentina’s tourism industry and how investing in education can pave the way for sustainable growth and excellence in hospitality.
The Current Landscape of Tourism Education in Argentina
Argentina boasts several renowned educational institutions offering programs tailored to the tourism and hospitality sector. From universities to vocational schools, students can access a range of courses specializing in tourism management, hotel administration, gastronomy, and more. These programs not only equip students with theoretical knowledge but also provide hands-on experience through internships and industry partnerships.
Higher education:
In our country, higher education is governed by Law 24521 and includes
Third level:
Aimed at secondary school graduates, it is made up of:
- Higher Normal Schools (ENS).
- Higher Teacher Training Institutes (ISFD).
- Artistic Training Institutes (IFA).
- Higher Technical Training Institutes (IFTS).
University level:
This level includes universities and university institutes. To enter, you also need to have completed secondary school. Includes:
- State University Institutes.
- Private university Institutes.
- National universities.
- Provincial Universities.
- Private Universities
Higher education is highly valued, and there are both public and private institutions offering a variety of programs, including those related to tourism. Here are some key points:
University System: Argentina has a strong university system, and several universities offer programs in tourism and related fields. These programs may include degrees in tourism management, hotel management, gastronomy, and more.
Bachelor’s Degrees: Students interested in pursuing a career in tourism can typically enroll in bachelor’s degree programs. These programs often provide a comprehensive understanding of the tourism industry, covering topics such as tourism management, marketing, hospitality, and cultural aspects. Access to the list of third and university-level education careers related to Tourism here.
Reviewing the curriculum of those careers, many of them lack content related to digitalization, sustainability, and inclusion. Only a few cases are mentioned as subjects of new technologies applied in tourism, innovation, technology in tourism and hospitality, and sustainability management in hospitality organizations, e.g. the Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNICEN) has a Degree in Sustainable Tourism. On the other hand, due to the importance of the subject in Argentina, the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA) has a third-level career related to rural tourism and a postgraduate specialization in this field.
Postgraduate Level:
Postgraduate programs, including master’s degrees, specializations, and doctoral studies, are also available in tourism-related fields. The list of postgraduate studies related to Tourism is available here.
Specialized Institutes:
In addition to formal education, there are specialized institutes and technical schools that offer programs focused specifically on tourism and related areas. These programs may be more practical and geared towards specific skills needed in the industry.
For example:
- The eCommerce Institute offers a unique program in Digital Commerce that is oriented toward tourism and hospitality. More information here
- The Tourism Training Institute (INCATUR) belongs to the Argentine Federation of Associations of Travel and Tourism (FAEVYT). It offers practical tools in its face-to-face and online courses to achieve the best professional performance in all areas and levels of travel and tourism company management. Find more information here.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the presence of educational offerings, challenges persist in fully harnessing education’s potential in the tourism sector. The most significant challenges in Argentina include the necessity for constant adjustment to market trends and technology developments, as well as the dearth of fundamental tourist competencies, such as fluency in English and a wider range of inclusive and sustainable tourism education options.
However, within these challenges lie immense opportunities. Industry-academia collaboration is essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Partnerships with hotels, tour operators, and government agencies enable educational institutions to align their curricula with industry needs, ensuring graduates are equipped with relevant skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities.
The DualTourism project aims to transform tourism for a sustainable, digital, and inclusive future. It is a collaborative international initiative supported by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme, bringing together esteemed institutions from Italy, Greece, Argentina, and Colombia to tackle multifaceted challenges. Learn more about the DualTourism project here. Learn more about the DualTourism project here.
