Learning Lab@PP2 is a pedagogical tool that has been applied in a degree course in tourism at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja, specifically in classes of Professional Practice II. It advocates that the learning process should occur in the complex context of society, organizations and professional relations that characterize the tourism industry. The goal is to contribute to the development of professional skills in tourism and educate students as citizens who must be aware of their role in today's increasingly global world. Within Learning Lab methodology, this paper aims to share the benefits of using practical methods in tourism education environments, in this case based on two participatory exercises: (a) visual-based methodologies (photovoice); and (b) participant and non-participant observation as a method of analysing situations. The results from using this methodology will be also presented in addition to a discussion about the educational benefits framed by the experiential learning paradigm.

This paper is based on ongoing research whose main objective is to explore tourism digital marketing strategies grounded in Slow Movement and Slow Tourism principles, focusing on rural accommodations entrepreneurs in Baixo Alentejo (Portugal). With a qualitative methodological approach, empirical research was initially based on a literature review. Also, it involved a systematic observation of accommodation businesses’ websites selected with a convenience sample from the Regional Registry Online Platform. The research involved content analysis considering a review sustained in slow tourism dimensions upon websites’ communication mission and values, presentation opening message, experiences, activities, and product offers. Research also included content analysis based on social media communication strategies (entrepreneurs’ commercial posts on Facebook). Preliminary findings indicate that some rural accommodations have adopted slow tourism activities, providing relaxed and immersive experiences that connect tourists to nature and local culture. In particular, companies share messages that can be theoretically related to slow movement and offer sustainable and local experiences, gastronomy, and tranquillity combined with rural tourism activities (e.g., wine and olive production), allowing tourists to slow down and appreciate the beauty and resources of the region.

Background: Slow tourism appeals to competent, independent travelers seeking meaningful and authentic experiences. This umbrella term encompasses responsible and sustainable tourism practices and holds a significant potential for the development of rural territories. Research objectives: The article offers a deep literature review that addresses slow tourism conceptualization and its importance for rural territories. I also aimed to verify whether accommodation business entrepreneurs in Alentejo (Portugal) engage in slow tourism in their website communication strategies. Research design and methods: A qualitative methodological approach was adopted based on a literature review. The empirical phase involved a systematic examination of the messages contained in communication slogans and commercial offerings on accommodation websites. Results: Although many companies do not explicitly identify as part of the slow tourism movement, their practices align with its principles. The latter promote authentic, relaxed, and immersive experiences linked to nature, local cuisine, culture, and sustainability. Conclusions: The results suggest that adopting the principles of slow tourism in rural territories provides visitors with authentic experiences and encourages the sustainable development of the Alentejo region.

Traditional mobility programmes seem to be insufficient to fulfil the desired internationalization of higher education programmes. For this reason, other forms of internationalization need to be explored and addressed, such as ‘internationalization at home’ (IaH), a concept that has attracted the attention of a significant number of researchers over the years. Considering this, the aim of this paper is to present an example of such practices by focusing on the implementation of Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) in the context of Tourism degree programmes offered by two institutions: the Polytechnic Institute of Beja, Portugal, and the University of Maribor, Slovenia. Furthermore, the paper intends to highlight the role played by qualitative methods in the design of this COIL programme, titled: “Integral Rural Tourism experiences: lessons from the Alqueva Lake, Portugal, and the Dolenjska region, Slovenia”. To achieve these goals, the paper focuses on: (i) the definition of internationalization at home and COIL, (ii) the topic and structure of this COIL programme, (iii) qualitative methods used in activity design, and on (iv) the evaluation of this initiative. This COIL proved to be a positive experience, as it helped to consolidate an international partnership and to increase the number of students involved in internationalization activities in both Tourism degrees involved. Furthermore, it encouraged students to develop a wide range of skills, such as digital, language and intercultural skills, which are of crucial importance, particularly in the case of Tourism degree programmes. Moreover, qualitative methods were found to be a suitable approach for the design of the tasks proposed. Finally, the limitations identified, related mostly to language difficulties and to the discrepancy in the perception of the proposed activities by students from the two institutions, hinted at the challenging nature of COIL to all involved – both students and teachers.