The Erasmus+ Project: Curriculum Development for Zero Waste Management in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector – Training of HEI Teaching Staff on the Tourism-Zero Courses

The Erasmus+ Project, Curriculum Development for Zero Waste Management in the Hospitality and Tourism Sector, successfully organized a training workshop for higher education lecturers on 2–3 April 2026 at the ATRA Meeting Room, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus. The workshop aimed to equip participants with knowledge and practical tools to deliver sustainability-focused courses under the Tourism-Zero initiative.

The training provided a valuable platform to introduce the newly developed curriculum and promote academic exchange among lecturers. The sessions were led by Asst. Prof. Kanapot Kalnaovakul, a researcher of the Tourism-Zero project at PSU, who shared both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in zero-waste practices. Using examples from hotel inspections in Phuket, he demonstrated how sustainability concepts can be applied in both teaching and real-world contexts.

A key highlight of the workshop was the introduction of four specialized courses:

        801-117 Responsible Consumers and Global Warming Impacts of Waste – 2((2)-0-4)

        801-118 Zero Waste in Hospitality and Tourism Activities – 3((3)-0-6)

        801-119 Waste Management under Municipal Context – 2((2)-0-4)

        801-120 Environmental Impact Assessment – 2((2)-0-4)

These courses are designed to combine theory with practice and help students develop essential skills to address sustainability challenges in the hospitality and tourism sector. Participants were introduced to course structures, learning outcomes, credit allocation, and recommended teaching methods.

Special focus was given to Course 2: Zero Waste in Hospitality and Tourism Activities, which emphasizes experiential learning and industry relevance. The course covers important topics such as food waste, plastic pollution, circular economy, sustainable operations, and resource efficiency. Real-world case studies are used to help students connect theory with practice.

The course is structured into four key modules to ensure comprehensive learning:

Module 1: Zero-waste in Hospitality and Tourism

Module 2: Key Success Factors in Low-Carbon Hospitality and Tourism

Module 3: Tools and Technologies for Low-Carbon Hospitality and Tourism

Module 4: Integrating Zero-waste Practices in Hospitality and Tourism Operations

Through these modules, students gain both conceptual understanding and practical skills to address sustainability challenges in real-world contexts.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

        Understand the principles of zero-waste management in hospitality and tourism

        Analyze waste-related challenges in real industry contexts

        Apply circular economy concepts and sustainable practices in operations

        Propose practical and innovative zero-waste solutions

        Demonstrate environmental responsibility and ethical awareness

        Work collaboratively to solve sustainability problems

The course uses a student-centered approach, including interactive lectures, workshops, group discussions, and project-based learning. Assessment methods include assignments, presentations, and group projects. In addition, collaboration with industry partners—such as guest speakers and site visits—helps enhance students’ practical experience.

The training also encouraged lecturers to share ideas and teaching experiences. Discussions focused on integrating sustainability into existing courses, aligning with Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs), and improving assessment methods to meet industry needs.

Overall, the workshop successfully introduced a practical and forward-looking curriculum while strengthening academic collaboration. The initiative reflects a strong commitment to sustainability education and plays an important role in preparing students for a zero-waste future in the hospitality and tourism industry.

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