CETT empowers young people through an integrated educational model combining academic rigor, practical experience, international mobility, and strong industry connections. Our commitment to knowledge, excellence, and competitiveness in the sector creates a positive tourism footprint for everyone, thanks to the responsible talent we train. 

Academic offer 

• CETT provides academic training at all levels -vocational training, university degrees, masters and postgraduates, and lifelong learning- with strong practical, international, and interdisciplinary components, including direct access to real-world learning environments.
• Close collaboration with industry stakeholders ensures our students gain the skills demanded by the job market, and the capacity to answer the challenges of tourism, hospitality and gastronomy sectors.
• Most of the training offered is official and is endorsed by the University of Barcelona -one of Spain's most prestigious international universities-, and the Generalitat de Catalunya. 

Entrepreneurship and youth career development 

• Entrepreneurship plays an active role in the center's training and initiatives, which encourage students to develop their business ideas and address their concerns.  

International mobility and global citizenship 

•  With over 1,300 international students from five continents and 69 agreements with global universities, CETT promotes international academic and labor mobility.
• Through different mobility programs and international skills courses, we develop a broad approach to foster the cross-cultural skills and international gaze of our students. 

CETT Alumni Network 

• A global community of over 22,000 active professionals supports students through mentoring and networking.
• Alumni activities connect students with institutions and businesses from day one through to their professional careers. 

CETT nurtures highly skilled talent through a practical and sustainability-aligned model. With strong public-private partnerships, hands-on learning environments, and a commitment to digital and sustainable transformation, CETT empowers the next generation of tourism professionals. 

Innovate training ecosystems to enhance hand-on learning of tourism skills 

• The CETT Campus becomes a living laboratory with learning classrooms where students experience the day-to-day life of the profession. Our pioneering model of university hotel allows us to offer immersive activities to students, such as learning pills or shadowings, where students interact directly with professionals, and to propose hotel research and intrapreneurship projects. 

Student employability is at the core of our training model 

• The employability of CETT talent demonstrates the sector’s potential and opportunities: we receive annually more than 1,500 intership offers, 1,100 job offers, and sign more than 1,000 agreements, with a 15% conversion rate into employment contracts. This translates into a student employability rate of 90%.  

Commitment to sustainability and digital transformation 

• CETT promotes sustainability and digital innovation in tourism by developing and transferring knowledge through internal projects and by recognizing outstanding third-party initiatives, as a sustainability category in the CETT Alimara Awards, in collaboration with UN Tourism. 

Participation in competitions and contests 

• CETT students take an active part in the most recognized sectorial competitions and contests, such as Smith Travel Research (STR) or EMCup. To boost their skills, we also organize internal contests and competitions such as the CETT Hospitality Challenge.  

CETT drives sectoral innovation and digitalization through an ecosystem that unites education, research, and business. From immersive learning and cutting-edge projects to strategic events and applied research, CETT anticipates trends and delivers real impact across the tourism value chain. 

Innovation as a cross-cutting axis 

• The Hotel Alimara, certificate with European Network of Living Labs (ENOLL), acts as a university-based living lab, providing the ideal setting for developing and testing new service methodologies, operational systems, R&D+i, and user experiences.
• The Hotel Alimara participates in various innovation projects to develop new ideas and applications for the hospitality industry.
• Applied research and technology transfer through projects such as Gastrosense and Neuroturistic, combining neuroscience and generative AI to enhance customer experience and hospitality. 

Digitalisation of content, methods, and experiences 

• CETT integrates digital transformation across academic and extracurricular activities. Initiatives like the CETT Smart Tourism Congress and Summit Barcelona, focused on tech trends, AI, big data, and personalised experiences, are a sample of our contribution to spread digital solutions. 

CETT fosters the uptake of new tourism business models by blending academic innovation, entrepreneurship, and applied research. Through real-world challenges, CETT equips talent to rethink the tourism industry sustainably and effectively. 

New business models and applied research introduced at academic offer   

• CETT offers advanced academic programs aimed at designing new forms of tourism activity, such as creative industries, sports or audiovisual tourism. The Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Business and Innovation or the Master’s Degree in Innovation in Tourism Management are a sample of this mindset.
• The CETT Campus acts as a living lab where new models can be tested in real-life learning environments. 

Promoting entrepreneurship 

• CETT Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Day recognizes initiatives that respond to sector challenges through innovative approaches. The institution promotes responsible entrepreneurship grounded in regenerative and sustainable values, encouraging students to create impact-driven and future-ready ventures. Projects like Komuni —a platform to promote rural tourism in Mexico—, Swifton —a sustainable water-saving solution for hotels—, Bumerang —a long-life, recyclable take away packaging solution—, or Identify —a platform to enhance travelers' experiences—. 

CETT leads knowledge generation through cutting-edge research, a pioneering university chair, and active engagement in global academic networks. Its work connects tourism with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), governance, and sustainable innovation, reinforcing the sector’s presence on the global agenda. 

Research Groups 

• CETT is home to three research groups focused on tourism, culture and territory, hospitality and food and gastronomy. During the 2023–2024 academic year, the following scientific output was achieved: 30 publications, 23 indexed papers and book chapters in high-impact journals and 66 participations in academic conferences. 

Active presence in international knowledge networks 

• CETT actively engages international knowledge networks such as UN Tourism –being part of the board of director’s of affiliated members for the last four years-,  International Association of Tourism Economics (IATE), Network of European Regions for Sustainable and Competitive Tourism (NECSTOUR), European Association for International Education (EAIE), International Social Tourism Organisation (ISTO), among others, which amplify the global reach of CETT's research. 

UB Chair in Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy CETT 

• This pioneering chair in Spain promotes applied research in participatory governance, sustainability, cuisine, and culture, and publications and events developed with institutions such as the Barcelona City Council.
• The UB Chair in Tourism, Hospitality, and Gastronomy CETT links research, knowledge and public policy.
• The chair hosts events such “Trobada Gastronòmica”, the Entrepreneurship Day, CETT Smart Tourism Congress and Summit Barcelona.   

Knowledge Linked to the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs 

• Coorganization with other university centers for academic congresses such as the Latin American Hotel and Restaurant Congress (Universidad Externado de Colombia, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas, Anáhuac Cancún), International Conference on Literary Film Tourism (University of Groningen, Universidade de Caixas do Sul, Universidade do Algarve) or International Congress on Gastronomic Tourism (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Universidad de Alcalá, Universidad de Alicante and Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas).
• We conduct applied research on the challenges facing society beyond the academic sphere. We transfer knowledge to the sector through events and documents, among other methods.
• CETT conducts research applied to the challenges of society beyond the academic sphere, transferring its results to the sector in multiple ways and through different events and documents. 

CETT acts as a trusted connector between public and private sectors, offering a pioneering mixed model that promotes shared value and innovation. Through  collaborations and strategic events, it facilitates impactful partnerships across education, business, and governance. 

• Over 1,000 partner companies collaborate with CETT through internship agreements, real-world projects, innovation initiatives, and job placement programs.
• Every year CETT celebrates CETT Talent, a leading occupational fair in the sector that brings together more than 70 leading companies.
• CETT drives high-impact initiatives through events that bring together key sectoral actors.
• It collaborates with multiple levels of public administration, including Barcelona City Council, the Barcelona Provincial Council, and the Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya).
• We engage the sector in creating new academic program to incorporate their vision and reflect together on the challenges facing the sector.
• Through initiatives such as the CETT Business Advisory Council, we promote synergies between different industry agents. 

CETT promotes cultural, sports, and audiovisual tourism through specialized academic programs, research, and strategic partnerships. Its initiatives link tourism with storytelling, creative industries, and cultural heritage, fostering enriching and experience-based travel. 

Academic offer 

• CETT promotes cultural and sports tourism through academic programs such as: Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Events and Entertainment, Master’s in Sports Events Marketing and Management (in collaboration with Barça Innovation Hub), Master’s in Event Management, or University Master's degree in innovation for tourism management with a specialization in cultural heritage. 

Audiovisual tourism 

• CETT leads specialised research lines on tourism and cultural industries, having as key initiatives the co-organisation of the International Congress on Literary and Film Tourism in collaboration with Universidade do Algarve, Universidade de Caxias do Sul and Universidad de Groningen or the study “Turismo de Pantalla” (Screen Tourism), conducted in collaboration with the provincial authority. 

Cultural synergies 

• CETT fosters partnerships with major cultural and institutional players such as UNESCO, Fundació Climent Guitart, and the Barcelona City Council. We also highlights gastronomy as a cultural narrative, positioning it as a key storytelling and branding element. 

CETT enhances the quality and reputation of tourism destinations, promoting its tourism quality. Through its university hotel, awards, and collaborations, it positions Barcelona and Catalonia on the global tourism map. 

Training focused on excellence in service and experience 

• Academic programs centered on tourism experience management, hospitality,customer service, destination management and wine tourism.
• The Hotel Alimara, integrated as a university hotel, where students develop key professional skills in real environments 

Applied research to improve services and products 

• Research focused on productivity, sustainability, innovation, and added value in tourism and food services.
• Scientific publications and conferences exploring new tourist expectations, behavior shifts, and technology in hospitality.
• Participation in studies on destination branding, gastronomy as a positioning tool, and policy impact. 

Impact on destination image and reputation 

• A dedicated category in the CETT Alimara Awards recognizing initiatives that improve destination image, communication, reputation and sustainability.
• Research through the CETT-UB Chair to promote positive and sustainable storytelling for destinations.
• Collaboration with public and private organizations on territorial marketing, gastronomic tourism, and creative positioning strategies. 

CETT promotes regenerative, inclusive, and resilient tourism by aligning with the SDGs across training, research, and campus life. Through pioneering projects, international networks, and equitable support systems, it shapes future-ready professionals for a sustainable sector. 

Research and innovation projects in sustainability 

• Research on food system sustainability and circular economy led by the Culinary and Gastronomy Research Group.
• Participation in Greenhost, a European project promoting sustainable training and practices for future professionals
• Active contribution to conferences and reports on climate, biodiversity, innovation, and regenerative tourism 

• Collaboration agreement between the UB-CETT Chair and Barcelona City Council for the development and measurement of sustainability indicators in urban destinations, integrated as analytical tools within the Barcelona Tourism Observatory: City and Region (INSTO member). 

Inclusion and equal opportunities 

• Measures to ensure equal access: scholarships, individual guidance, professional networks, and Alumni mentoring.
• Campus Joves Futur+ with Barça Fundation, supporting employment and opportunity pathways for people at risk of social exclusion.
• Finalist for the 2024 Global Gender Equality Award for Tourism and Hospitality (ITB Berlin) and member of the CETT Campus equality committee promoting inclusion. 

Building Sectoral Resilience Through Talent and Knowledge 

• Training modules on sustainable innovation, ethical leadership, and climate adaptation.
• Participation in academic and professional networks that support systemic resilience, change management, and local development.
• Contributions via the CETT Observatory and policy dialogue spaces. 

Quality Labels and Recognition 

• The CETT Campus has received the Biosphere certification, a recognition in sustainability that weighs all the SDGs through five areas of application: climate change, environment, social, economy and culture.
• The CETT Campus has been certified with the Distinctive in Environmental Quality Assurance in Restoration, a recognition of environmental protection in the sector.
• The Hotel Alimara has been awarded the B-Greenly Seal in recognition of its positive environmental impact, as part of CETT’s quality ecosystem, and has been recognized for more than 20 years of commitment to sustainability by the EMAS Catalonia 2023 Awards. 

CETT strengthens institutional capacity in tourism through higher education, applied research, and public-private dialogue. By training public leaders and contributing to policy design, it reinforces good governance and advances the sector’s strategic role in society.  

Supporting governance through education and research 

• University-level training in collaboration with the University of Barcelona, focusing on strategic management, public leadership, responsible tourism, and institutional governance.
• Programs linked to participatory governance, territorial development, and tourism planning.
• Faculty and students engage in collaborative projects with local, national, and international authorities. 

UB Chair in Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy CETT 

• Founded with support from the Barcelona City Council, this Chair connects research, education, and knowledge transfer.
• Leads research on governance mechanisms, indicator systems, sustainability, and cultural management.
• Hosts conferences, reports, and workshops that shape public policy at local and regional levels.
• Participation in decision-making councils and networks. We’re active in the CDPI Council on Education and Employment, facilitating public-private dialogue on talent.
• Collaboration with public bodies such as Barcelona Activa, the Catalan Tourism Agency, and Catalonia's Qualification Agency. 

Training for executives and technical staff 

• Lifelong learning focused on public tourism management, institutional strategy, and policy innovation.
• Organization of seminars and debates on urban tourism, destination governance, and community engagement.
• Production of applied knowledge for administration: studies, indicators, best practices, and reports.