Key Lessons from Tourism Education for Sustainability

Abstract Book of the 3rd International Education Conference

Year: 2025

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Key Lessons from Tourism Education for Sustainability

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kevin Fuchs

ABSTRACT:

Tourism education plays a pivotal role in advancing environmental sustainability by preparing future industry stakeholders. Beyond providing professional skills, it fosters awareness of complex sustainability challenges. This study investigated the relationship between tourism students’ perceived competence in sustainability-related knowledge, drawing on the theoretical foundations of cognitive bias and self-assessment accuracy. A bilingual survey was conducted among 312 Thai and international undergraduate tourism students in Phuket, Thailand. The questionnaire measured four key constructs: sustainability-related knowledge, attitudes, behavioral control, and intention. Findings revealed that first-year students demonstrated significantly higher levels of enthusiasm—expressed through attitude and intention—while senior students exhibited stronger behavioral control. Notably, perceived knowledge remained stable across academic years, despite students’ growing experience and competence. These results suggest a disconnect between students’ self-perceptions and their developmental progression, reinforcing the need for pedagogical approaches that address overconfidence and support accurate self-evaluation. The study contributes to ongoing discussions in sustainability education by highlighting the importance of fostering reflective learning environments that sustain engagement, deepen understanding, and translate knowledge into long-term pro-sustainability behavior.

Keywords: Dunning-Kruger Effect, Tourism Education, Sustainability, Attitude, Behavioral Control