E-Learning as a Field for the Development of Soft Skills in Tourism Education and Training Executives: Evaluating Opportunities and Challenges

Theodora Papageorgiou, Panagiota Vathi-Sarava, Iosif Fragkoulis

University of Patras, School of Pedagogical and Technological Education

The present study aims to explore the perspectives of tourism education and training professionals regarding the development of soft skills in e-learning environments. Specifically, it seeks to examine their views on the possession of soft skills, the concept of e-learning, the potential for developing soft skills in e-learning settings, and the usefulness of acquiring these skills in the context of their professional work. The study sample consisted of ten tourism education and training professionals, employed either as instructors or holding senior administrative positions in the tourism sector. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted online via the MSTEAMS e-learning platform during the period from October 2024 to February 2025. The collected data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The analysis conceptually defined the terms “soft skills” and “e-learning,” identified the soft skills that can be developed in e-learning environments, and examined their relevance to teaching and professional practice. The findings indicate that the development of soft skills in e-learning environments requires consideration of factors influencing the educational process, which are deemed critical for the effectiveness of any educational intervention, such as the instructor, instructional material, the use of modern teaching and assessment techniques, and the design and operation of distance learning programs

Article link: https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/EQRarchives/e-learning-as-a-field-for-the-development-of-soft-skills-in-tourism-education-and-training-executives%3A-evaluating-opportunities-and-challenges