Abstract:

This paper introduces an educational innovation project designed for the course Tourist Transport within the Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and its dual-degree programmes. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance students’ awareness of the diversity inherent in sustainable tourism transport. The project aims to promote understanding among younger generations regarding the challenges encountered by diverse groups, such as women, the LGTBIQ+ community, and individuals with functional diversity, when traveling to tourist destinations, particularly in relation to safety, comfort, and accessibility.

Active learning methodologies as Project-based Learning are gaining traction owing to their success in enhancing the student’s abilities, such as teamwork, collaboration or critical thinking skills. This study uses this active methodology in order to encourage the students to participate. To achieve these goals, active learning methodologies are implemented, including project-based learning and social media–enhanced learning, aiming to engage students and align teaching practices with the digital transformation of higher education. Within this framework, students engage in collaborative efforts to design urban transport plans that integrate digitalization, innovation, and inclusive perspectives on gender equality, sexual diversity, and accessibility. This initiative contributes to the development of socially responsive education and aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

The outcomes of the project are disseminated through the innovation group’s social media channels and during a public dissemination session delivered via Microsoft Teams. Through these methodologies, students participate in applied research with social impact, leveraging digital tools to enhance interaction between teachers and learners while broadening the outreach of classroom projects.

Findings indicate that students exhibit greater engagement and commitment, along with increased awareness of the need for a sustainable, innovative, digital, and inclusive transport system. The effective integration of new technologies has also strengthened the connection between faculty and students, fostering meaningful learning experiences with real-world applications.

Keywords:

Innovation project, active learning methodologies, social media, sustainable tourism transport, SDG 5, SDG 10.