Bridging the Gap Between Sustainability Education and Practice in Tourism

Authors

  • Marijana Bugarcic Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Kragujevac
  • Vanessa Guerra Lombardi Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism University of La Laguna (ULL) San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Tenerife
  • Marko Slavković Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Kragujevac

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46541/978-86-7233-439-5_548

Keywords:

sustainability perceptions, tourism, students, higher education

Abstract

This study explores sustainability perceptions among future professionals, focusing on the role of work experience. Based on a sample of 241 students, the results reveal that those with prior work experience report significantly higher levels of perceived sustainability development and organizational responsibility. These findings suggest that practical exposure enhances sustainability understanding beyond formal education, indicating a potential gap between educational content and real-world practice. The study contributes by distinguishing between different dimensions of sustainability perceptions and by positioning these findings as a basis for future qualitative research. In particular, further studies are needed to explore how sustainability is understood and implemented by tourism professionals and whether a gap exists between the expectations of future professionals and actual industry practices.

Published

2026-07-27

How to Cite

Bugarcic, M., Guerra Lombardi, V. ., & Slavković, M. (2026). Bridging the Gap Between Sustainability Education and Practice in Tourism. International Scientific Conference Strategic Management and Decision Support Systems in Strategic Management, 273-280. https://doi.org/10.46541/978-86-7233-439-5_548

Issue

2026: Proceedings of the 31th International Scientific Conference Strategic Management and Decision Support Systems in Strategic Management

Section

Articles