Campus América serves not only as a platform for educational and cultural activities but also as a forum to strengthen institutional relationships among participating countries. A recent meeting on 29 October between María Paz Lagos Valdivieso, Chile's Undersecretary of Tourism, and tourism specialists from the University of La Laguna aimed to explore potential collaborations in teaching and research.
The meeting was chaired by the rector, Francisco J. García, and included participation from key university figures such as Inmaculada González, Vice-Rector for Internationalisation and Cooperation; Sara González, Director of Internationalisation Secretariat; Inés Ruiz, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism; Raúl Hernández, Director of the Cajacanarias – Ashotel Chair of Tourism; and Moisés Simancas, Vice-Dean of the Geography, History and Art History Section of the Faculty of Humanities. From the Chilean side, consultant Jorge Marcel Fuentes Fetis and Javiera Rosende Hurtado, First Secretary of the Chilean Embassy in Spain, were also present.
During the discussions, both countries acknowledged their strengths in the tourism sector. Spain, particularly the Canary Islands, excels in smart destination management, data utilisation, and resource management, including water and energy. In contrast, Chile highlighted its expertise in national park tourism and astrotourism.
Following these discussions, the participants considered various common training initiatives. As a pilot project, they decided to implement a micro-credential programme this November for Chilean students who will attend classes in Tenerife. Future plans may include a similar programme for Canary Islands students travelling to Chile. The specific topics for the micro-credential are still under consideration, with three areas of interest identified: natural resource management, natural spaces, and astrotourism.
There is also potential for the micro-credential to be conducted at the Campus del Sur in Adeje, featuring one week dedicated to theoretical learning and another for visits to relevant businesses in the sector.
In the realm of research, the establishment of an online forum was proposed to connect experts from both countries, facilitating knowledge exchange on the topics discussed during the meeting. Following the meeting, Undersecretary Lagos presented at Campus América, outlining the key opportunities tourism presents for Chile's economic development.
