In a recent exclusive interview for Smart Travel News, we had the privilege of speaking with Pablo Torres, the new CEO of Teduka. Torres, known in the travel industry for his extensive experience and passion for training, revealed his ideas and plans for this innovative educational platform.
Pablo Torres, with over 20 years of experience in the tourism sector, has worked in hotels, consulting firms, and collaborated with renowned universities. His recent appointment as CEO of Teduka marks a milestone in his career and represents a new boost for tourism education.
The interview began with a brief introduction from Torres about his career, highlighting his experience in hospitality and revenue management in various countries. He also highlighted his commitment to training and his satisfaction in seeing how he can make a difference in the careers of other professionals in the sector.
Next, we discussed the contrast between academic training in tourism and the reality of the workplace, asking if Torres had experienced the same thing in his career. Teduka's new CEO agreed with this perspective and mentioned the need to bring the industry's reality closer to students. He acknowledged that, in many cases, academic programs fail to meet the demands and knowledge needed to face the world of work.
Torres shared his experience collaborating with the University of Alicante, where he realized that students lacked basic knowledge even in fundamental subjects like revenue management. This gap between academia and the reality of the tourism sector motivated Torres to seek solutions through private initiatives, such as Teduka, which focus on providing practical and relevant training.
Regarding the tourism training landscape during the pandemic, we raised concerns that the overabundance of webinars and online courses had led to professional fatigue and burnout. Torres acknowledged this problem and highlighted the importance of providing real value through training. At Teduka, they will focus on collaborating with industry professionals and offering courses in both English and Spanish, in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. He also highlighted the importance of intensive in-person training, such as bootcamps and training days, which provide an impactful and short-term experience.
A relevant topic that emerged during the interview was the rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on tourism. Torres emphasized that artificial intelligence is a technology that will replace many routine tasks, such as self-check-in, freeing up staff to focus on strategic and decision-making activities. While acknowledging that artificial intelligence will transform some processes in the sector, he noted that Teduka will focus on enhancing human skills, such as strategy and decision-making, that cannot yet be replicated by technology.
Regarding the roadmap for upcoming training programs, the second edition of the Advanced Total Profit program is mentioned, which covers financial, commercial, revenue, and marketing topics, among others. Other courses in revenue management and food and beverages are also mentioned, and agreements are being established with universities to offer certified certificates.
Regarding the student profile, it is initially aimed at people already involved in revenue management, such as receptionists or revenue managers who wish to advance their training. However, as the content expands, the program aims to serve students who wish to explore other areas of the sector, as well as professionals seeking to retrain and improve their skills.
Regarding post-course support, interaction between students and teachers is encouraged through forums and activities to maintain connection and provide support in case of questions or concerns.
Regarding the tourism sector outlook this summer, it is noteworthy that, although there are concerns and growth has slowed in recent weeks, figures indicate an increase compared to 2019. However, rising flight prices may impact tourists' budgets. Despite this, there is a shift in people's mindset, with people prioritizing experiences and willing to spend more on leisure and travel, which contributes to the continued growth of tourism.
In short, this company's training proposal seeks to adapt to the needs of the hotel sector, providing practical knowledge, post-course support, and responding to the demands of a more hedonistic and experience-focused audience.
