Sixth International Conference on Tourism & Leisure Studies

Abstract

In the adventure tourism sector, one of the aspects that most concerns the collective is to offer a complete and quality service. For this, human resources are a fundamental component. This study attempts to analyse the current situation of training in adventure tourism in the “Comunidad Valenciana” and analyses the existing training possessed by workers in order to see if the real needs of the sector are met. In Spain, there are some official qualifications that try to cover the legal requirements requested within the adventure tourism sector. These are sports training (sports technicians) and educational training (Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences, Technician in Conducting Physical Activities in the Natural Environment and Higher Technician in Physical-Sports Animation). The priority qualification that guides have is Sports Technician; however, these qualifications do not cover all the existing offer. Of the 67 activities recognised by Valencian legislation, only 26 have a recognised sports qualification. The professional training of “Technician in Conducting Physical Activities in the Natural Environment” is the qualification that includes a greater number of modalities within its competences (cycling, trekking, horse riding). So, this qualification offers greater versatility and allows to act as a guide in more activities. However, this qualification is not common among the group of workers in adventure tourism. In Europe, professional training is regulated from the field of tourism and outdoor leisure, to make the training much more specific and acquire skills in line with the real needs of the sector.

Presenters

Laura Martín Talavera
Student, Ph.D., Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Lázaro Mediavilla Saldaña

Virginia Gómez Barrios
Professor, Department of Social Sciences of Physical Activity, Sports and Leisure, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

Vicente Gómez Encinas