Competences for Sustainable Entrepreneurship in Tourism University Students: A Case Study from a Mexican University Context

Abstract

The work analysed the entrepreneurial skills of tourism students to improve their self employment opportunities and contribute to the sustainable recovery of the sector. The approach was qualitative, and the data collection was the focus group. The sample consisted of 48 tourism students about to graduate from a Mexican public university. The analysis of information was according to five competencies: a) knowing, b) knowing how to do, c) knowing how to be, d) wanting to do, and: e) doing. They are being able to do. The results show that the family and educational institutions play an essential role in the comprehensive training of the students; they provide the motivation and training necessary to possess the skills that allow for managing and reducing social and environmental problems. The entrepreneurial spirit among students is closely related to acquiring abilities before, during, and after their time at the university.