EDUCATION TOURISM

Learning Objective:

1. Understand the definition and concept of education tourism

2. Know the history of educational tourism
3. Describe classifications and benefits of education tourism
4. Discuss education tourism in the Philippine setting

One of the main types of tourism is the educational tourism. Educational

tourism is
an increasingly popular new trend in the global tourism industry. The
concept of a wide range of educational tourism, it has been changing the
concept of tourism itself. In other words, the main purpose of educational
travel is to obtain knowledge and experience on certain topics, rather than
travel itself. 

What is education tourism?

Educational tourism or edu-tourism is defined as a new tourism pattern, and is

considered as an approach to continuing education, carrying out research
activities, and acquiring knowledge about culture or history of other
destinations.
Its main focus is on studying new things, learning about other cultures,
study tours, or to apply the learned skills. This is one of the most famous
type of tourism activity for past few years, for example people travel to
learn foreign languages. Due to the growing popularity of teaching and
learning of new knowledge, Educational tourism is growing at a faster
speed. It has become an alternative of large scale mass tourism.

According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2019), educational tourism is

considered a form of tourism that encompasses different types of tourism, which are related to
the motives of tourists to travel, participate and engage themselves in various training, self-
improvement processes. , intellectual growth and the development of different and diverse
skills. It also represents a wide range of products and services related to academic
research, skills acquisition holidays, school trips, sports training, career development courses
and language courses, among others.

The concept of educational tourism has a large share in global tourism programs,
With the growth of tourism it has led to the emergence of segments within
the tourism industry, which includes educational tourism as well.
Educational tourism is not a homogenous group; it can vary from person to
person or their interest. The number of international students has been
steadily increasing over the last 30 years and China, India, and the
Republic of Korea are the top three global student providers. The most
popular destinations for educational tourism are United States, United
Kingdom, Germany,

France, Australia, and Japan. These six countries host around 62% of the
world’s total international student population. 

In recent past the general increase in the educational level of society has
had a profound impact on the tourism market. Educational tourism can
take a variety of directions and serve a diversity of visitor interests, “such
as satisfying curiosity about other people and their language and culture;
stimulating interest in art, music, architecture or folklore; inspiring
concerns for natural environments, landscapes, flora and fauna; or,
deepening the fascination of cultural heritage and historic places.
Educational tourism goes beyond a curiosity, interest or fascination for a
particular topic but includes an element of organized learning (Kalinowski
& Weiler 1992).

This is very quick going back to

History of Educational tourism 

Educational tourism has its roots in the ancient world. Yet, depending on
the socioeconomic, political, cultural, and historical circumstances, at
different historical stages of its development, it had its own peculiarities. 

Educational tourism is not a new concept; it has existence since the 17th,
18th, and much of the 19th centuries. The ‘Grand Tour’ was seen as the
beginning of educational tourism, which was undertaken initially by
aristocratic British youth as part of their education during 17 th to
19th century. Many of these were scholars from England, Germans and other
countries, travelling on a grand tour of the European Continent. 

Educational Tourism from Indian context:

India was an important centre for education in South-Asian countries since

the ancient period. Scholars all over the world travelled to India for
education. India was a famous destination for advanced learning process
and knowledge sharing.

The reason Why India has Turn into a Favourite Destination for
Educational Trips?
Because The country where the architectural marvel Taj Mahal is located has grown a lot through
time. With India’s stable economic standing, it was able to shed its snake charmers image and
turn into a destination with pioneering education, rich culture, and educational institutions
wherein English is the primary medium of instruction allowing students to be academically,
mentally, and emotionally equipped to take on the world.
India has gained its popularity as an educational hub making students and young professionals
flock to the country for graduate and post-graduate studies. Exchange programs and study tours
in the country are becoming progressively more common and this is giving a positive boost to
India’s education and tourism industry. 

Educational tour:

Most of the schools and colleges have educational tour as a part of the
academic experience. Educational tours help the students with firsthand
experience of various subjects. Example: Educational tours organised by
the schools to the zoos and parks to acquaint the students with flora and
fauna. This provides the students with an opportunity to see flora and
fauna face to face which is quite exciting as compared to see the pictures of
these in a book.

Tourism and Education

Tourism and travel activities enhance knowledge because with travelling

we come to know about new people, languages, life styles, landscapes,
cultures, customs and traditions. This increases our knowledge about the
other destinations. Travelling plays an important role in our education and
it is essential part of education system. Education without travelling is not
complete. Earlier travelling was not easy without facilities but now with the
new modes of transportation and scientific improvements it has become
quick, easy, cheap, interesting and pleasant. With the new modes of
transportation like huge ships, fast and comfortable railways, electric
vehicals, airplanes the journey has became more interesting and
comfortable. Hence travelling has became an important part of education
system and it is helpful in in enhancement of knowledge, growing
innovative ideas and improving thought process. Travelling provide full
knowledge while reading books give half or partial know;edge about things.

https://atlantisresearch.in/5-benefits-educational-tours/

BENEFITS OF EDUCATION TOURISM

1. Effective Learning:
the most effective tool for learning is learning by doing. an educational tour, on the other hand,
makes students face real-life problems. When learning is accompanied by fun, excitement, and
enjoyment, it stops being burdensome and boring, and students learn as a part of their natural
growing up process.

2. Exchange of Ideas:
An educational tour offers the perfect informal set-up for lively discussions. Group- discussion is
also one of the most effective tools of education. Students can have group discussions not only
amongst their friends, classmates, and peers but also with new people. This reignites their
interest in studies. Real life experiences like educational tours to science museums, museums of
history and arts, places of research, or factory visits are priceless as they make learning colorful
and real.  

3. Personal Development:
When we learn outside the comfort of school and home it fosters independence, leadership
skills, and communication skills. we learn to break down the barriers of language and learn how
to communicate across boundaries.  

4. Enhances Perspective:
One of the most important benefits of education tourism,  it subtly develops an understanding of
various social issues around the world. Students get a better grip on the local and the global
issues. An educational travel empowers them with a new and enhanced perspective to look at
things and develops them into considerate personalities, well aware of the world issues at large
and in depth.

5. Global Networking:
individuals travel to different places, they interact with different people. Interacting with locals
and other students on educational tours can develop amazing social skills and networks.
University visits and school visits are particularly beneficial as students develop a family outside
of their own comfort zones and an extended network of contacts and references.

Education Tourism in the Philippines

Participants attend the Philippine Education Tourism Conference held in Lapu-
Lapu City on Monday. INQUIRER PHOTO/DALE ISRAEL

Education seen as new niche market for PH tourism

In 2019, the Department of Tourism organized a Tourism Industry Coordination Meeting and
Workshop. The purpose of the gathering was to get everybody in the industry committed to further
strengthening their involvement in the achievement of the department’s tourist arrivals target.
Attending the event were officers of the different tourism organizations in the country and some
representatives from the private sector, all stakeholders in our country’s fastest growing industry.
Feature of the event was the setting up of several counters, each representing a specific niche tourism
market which the stakeholders, could affiliate with and discuss how they could help DOT with their
marketing efforts.

tourism officials took notice of education tourism when, in 2010, they saw a sharp
increase in the number of foreign students in the Philippines as a result of that
year’s tourism plan.
Records show that, in 2013, only 23,000 foreign students enrolled in ESL (English as a
Second Language) courses. However, in 2018, this number zoomed up to 60,000, with these
countries other than Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia which
are now the main sources of educational tourists.

The number of foreign students in the Philippines could be higher, according to

Tourism Undersecretary of tourism promotion Benito Bengzon, as not all
foreigners studying in the country have student permits.
The DOT, he said, is making an inventory of foreign students in the Philippines
including those who are in the country for shorter periods.
 In the Philippines, most number of ESL (English as Second Language) schools with 165 is in
CEBU, followed by Baguio which has 20, and Clark which has 10. All these schools are
accredited by TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and by our
Bureau of Immigration.   

Shaimar Tamano, DOT Central Visayas director, said there is an influx of

foreign students who are also in Cebu to finish their tertiary education. They come
from India, Nigeria, Thailand, US, Korea, New Guinea, and Kenya.
Tamano said most tourists who go island-hopping in Cebu are foreign students
“who travel during weekends when they don’t have classes.” This was before the
pandemic.
The DOT is also coming up with a system allowing schools to also offer regular
tour packages for their students.

To ensure that these schools maintain the quality of education they give their students
through the years, representatives from DoT spot-check on them regularly, and interview
students on-the-spot for feedback.   

To increase enrollment, officers of these schools and designated representatives from DoT
take part in foreign educational fairs, with the latest ones added to their list are those in
Russia, Thailand, and Italy.

In 2020

DOT inks MOU on tourism education,

training
– Thursday, November 5, 2020

To upgrade tourism education and skills training in the country, the Department of Tourism
(DOT) has closed ranks with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher
Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the
Tourism Industry Board Foundation, Inc. (TIBFI).

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on November 5, 2020 led the virtual signing of the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Convergence on Tourism Education and Training,
titled “Moving Forward and Beyond.” Joining Secretary Puyat were Education Secretary Leonor
M. Briones; CHED Chairman J. Prospero E. De Vera III; TESDA Director-General Isidro S.
Lapena; and TIBFI Chairman Ma. Christina G. Aquino.

“This event marks an important milestone in Tourism Human Capital Development in the
Philippines, as this will institutionalize the harmonization efforts of the government sector, the
academe and the tourism industry. Through the signing of this MOU, we can work towards the
strengthening of industry-led education and training, which will standardize academic and
practical instructions with the end result of producing world-class tourism professionals,” Puyat
said in her opening remarks.

The DOT chief shared that one of the MOU’s highlights is to have DepEd, through its K-to-12
Basic Education Program, introduce the technical and vocational education in public schools for
junior and senior high school curricula, which includes tourism skills training. Puyat noted the
need for harmonization of tourism education and skills training toward its goal of honing students
for the demands of the industry.

“We hope that this convergence will pave the way to a seamless transition from Senior High
School to Higher Education, ensuring that our students are ready when they enter the industry,”
Puyat pointed out.

The MOU, she added, will also pave the way for strengthening collaboration among concerned
agencies and the private sector in developing and promoting Education Tourism as one of the
tourism product offerings of the Philippines under the National Tourism Development Plan
(NTDP) 2016 to 2022, and support the implementation of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition
Arrangement on Tourism Professionals (ASEAN MRA-TP).

Puyat further stressed that the DOT shall implement and coordinate programs and projects to
develop and enhance tourism manpower skills in the Philippines and strengthen linkages and
partnerships between academe and industry.

“With this MOU, you can count on the DOT to work tirelessly with other government agencies
concerned and industry stakeholders in the development of agreed tourism industry training
regulations,” added the tourism chief.
Ayan po, makikita natin na despite the challenges of Covid19 pandemic on 2020 up to present still
our government officials are working virtually for the welfare of the filipinos.

Before the end of my report, allow me to read a saying from teacher and philosopher, Confucius
famously quoted, “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.” I believe this
is the best adage for Education Tourism.

If you have additional information for my topic, please share with us po. Thank you po for listening.

References:

Farouk Abdelnabi Hassanein Attaalla, Professor of Tourism Studies

Faculty of Tourism and Hotels - Journal of Travel, Tourism and Recreation
Volume 2, Issue 2, 2020, PP 34-41
https://www.tourismbeast.com/educational-tourism/

https://www.tourmyindia.com/blog/india-favorite-edu-tourism-destination/

http://curacaochronicle.com/tourism/educational-tourism-a-new-opportunity-for-the-industry/

https://atlantisresearch.in/5-benefits-educational-tours/

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1147656/education-seen-as-new-niche-market-for-ph-tourism

https://manilastandard.net/lifestyle/lifestyle-columns/mercury-rising-by-bob-zozobrado/299088/
educational-tourism.html

http://www.tourism.gov.ph/news_features/MOUonTourismEducationTraining.aspx
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/news_features/MOUonTourismEducationTraining.aspx