There are many communities in which tourism plays a major role in regional revitalization and urban development, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, tourism requires more advanced management than ever before. The importance of universities in regional revitalization and urban development has grown.
So, what is the role expected of universities by the local community and businesses, etc.? What are the ideal forms of tourism education and efforts by universities in collaboration and cooperation with the community?
In this special feature, we focused specifically on public universities that contribute to local tourism promotion.
This is due to their status as institutions established and administered by regional public organizations, which means public universities in particular are expected to contribute to the community. Specific examples include providing higher education opportunities to the community, serving as an intellectual and cultural hub in the local community, contributing to the local community, economy, and culture, and anchoring young people in the community. In terms of tourism, this includes tourism education rooted in the community.
We examine the current conditions, challenges, and expectations surrounding public universities based on case studies of efforts by 10 public universities.