PISTA DIGITAL AS A TOOL (ALSO) TO ENHANCE TEACHING AND LEARNING: AN APPLICATION OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING TO IDENTIFY SUSTAINABLE TOURISM PRACTICES IN HOTELS

Abstract

The global tourism industry, while a major economic driver, faces mounting pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Hotels, as central players in tourism, significantly contribute to resource depletion and environmental degradation. This study explores the integration of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) with the PISTA Digital system to enhance sustainable tourism education. PBL, an inquiry-based pedagogical approach, fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration - key skills for addressing sustainability challenges in the hotel sector. The research employs a case study methodology, to assess environmental practices in a selected hotel. The PISTA Digital system provides students with a data-driven platform to analyse sustainability indicators, including water and energy consumption, waste management, and accessibility. Findings suggest that combining PBL with digital monitoring tools strengthens students’ ability to identify sustainability gaps and propose evidence-based solutions. This study underscores the potential of sustainability-focused education in shaping future professionals capable of driving environmental and social change in the hospitality sector.