Tourism Employees’ Well-Being: An Innovative Educational Framework Integrating the PERMA Model of Well-Being and Transformative Learning
摘要
In today’s fast-changing work environment, there is a growing emphasis on the well-being of employees in both organizations and academia. While previous research in the tourism sector has mainly focused on the well-being of tourists, the psychological well-being of tourism employees has been neglected. This paper aims to fill this gap by focusing on the well-being of tourism employees and presenting an educational framework that integrates well-being, modern adult learning theories, and interactive educational technologies into tourism education and training. The educational framework is rooted in Positive Psychology, emphasizing well-being, empowerment, resilience building, and flourishing. It also incorporates Transformative Learning Theory as a contemporary adult education approach derived from adults’ experiences. Incorporating Transformative Learning into the educational process helps students challenge their existing beliefs and values through critical reflection and rational dialogue. This enables them to become more open and receptive, inspiring them to change their mindset and develop within the diverse and multicultural environment of the tourism sector. This paper also utilizes Seligman’s PERMA model, which emphasizes five key elements of well-being: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Digital learning technologies are also employed to enhance learning and transform the educational process into an engaging and effective experience. The proposed framework introduces a groundbreaking tourism education and training program to prepare learners to become resilient, empathetic, and skilled professionals in a rapidly evolving industry. It also broadens the scope of tourism education by integrating the acquisition of knowledge and skills while promoting the transformation of attitudes and behaviors.