Tourism, training and territory: professionalization of human capital on the coast of Buenaventura.
Keywords:
turismo , capitalhumano, formación especializada, diversificación profesionalAbstract
The professionalization of human capital is a decisive factor for the competitiveness and sustainability of tourist destinations, especially in coastal micro-territories with high international influx but limited training opportunities. This study analyzes the profile and level of professionalization of tourism workers in Juanchaco and Ladrilleros, districts of Buenaventura (Colombia), where geographical distance and the absence of specialized centers pose challenges to service quality and job diversification. A descriptive-correlational design with a mixed-methods approach was used, combining structured surveys of 155 workers in tourist resorts with qualitative interviews. Statistical analysis included non-parametric tests (Chi-square, Spearman's rho, Kruskal-Wallis) using SPSS v.27. The results show that 70% of respondents lack specialized training in tourism and 87% do not possess foreign language skills, although 88% expressed interest in acquiring them. Training is positively associated with higher income (r=0.298; p<0.001), while the main barriers to accessing programs are distance, time, and cost. These findings align with the literature on human capital in emerging destinations, which emphasizes the need to decentralize training and design pathways adapted to local conditions. It is concluded that the creation of multidisciplinary and multilingual training centers in Juanchaco and Ladrilleros, along with talent observatories and public-private partnerships, would improve employability, diversify the economy, and strengthen the destination's sustainability. Future research should explore hybrid training models and their impact on territorial resilience.
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