ENOTOUR Project Strengthens Educational and Industry Ties in Porto Meeting

On June 3-4, 2024, UPorto hosted a key partnership meeting for the ENOTOUR project, co-funded by the European Commission. The event brought together academic institutions, industry representatives, and project partners to advance the development of a multifunctional training platform for wine tourism professionals.

Advancing the ENOTOUR Platform

A major focus of the meeting was the revision of the ENOTOUR educational, corporate, and virtual platform. Discussions covered sustainability models, cost structures, and the integration of digital learning tools. The beta version of the platform was presented, marking a significant step toward providing innovative training solutions tailored to the wine tourism industry.

Additionally, the Online Courses development process was reviewed, with project partners refining syllabi and ensuring alignment with industry needs. OBREAL provided guidance on production requirements, and two breakout sessions allowed universities to tailor content for their respective Training Courses. The recruitment of students—including master’s and vocational education students—was also discussed as a crucial step for piloting these courses.

Industry Engagement and Recognition of Learning

A significant part of the agenda was dedicated to fostering stronger links between education and industry. The corporate component of ENOTOUR was addressed through the introduction of a self-assessment tool for wineries, designed to support business innovation and best practices in enotourism. New wineries were engaged to participate in this initiative, reinforcing ENOTOUR’s goal of bridging academia and the private sector.

The meeting also included a session on recognition plans for micro-credentials, where partner universities confirmed their conditions for awarding these certifications. This aligns with the broader push within ENOTOUR to enhance the employability and professional development of students in the wine tourism sector.

Looking Ahead

The Porto meeting set the stage for the next steps in the project, including the finalization of the Training Courses, the continued development of the virtual and physical training program, and further industry collaborations. With the second year of ENOTOUR underway, partners reaffirmed their commitment to driving innovation in wine tourism education and ensuring the project’s long-term sustainability.