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Digital Competences and Their Impact on Employability in the Tourism Sector—An Applied Study

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  • Alexander Zuñiga-Collazos

    (Department of Administration and Organizations, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali 760042, Colombia)

  • Juan Miguel Velásquez Orozco

    (Facultad de Ciencias Administrativas y Financieras, EAM University Institution, Armenia 630001, Colombia)

  • Alexis Rojas-Ospina

    (Department of Administration and Organizations, Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali 760042, Colombia
    Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y de la Administración, Escuela Nacional del Deporte, Cali 760042, Colombia)

Abstract

Digital competences (DC) are vital for improving employability, especially in tourism, where adapting to technology and communicating effectively are key. Proficiency in digital tools and a second language (SL) significantly enhances organizational performance and competitiveness, supporting sustainable development and innovation in dynamic business environments. This study explores the causal link between digital competences and employability dimensions, including second-language skills, in SMEs within the tourism sector in Quindío and Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Using a quantitative approach, data from 114 employees were collected through a semi-structured survey and analyzed via partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to determine significant relationships. The results reveal that digital competences significantly enhance technological management, occupational experience (OE), anticipation and optimization (AO), and personal flexibility (PF). These skills contribute to sustainable tourism by promoting adaptability, innovation, and inclusive employability. Additionally, second-language proficiency demonstrates strong explanatory power in communication-related aspects. The findings highlight the need for tourism enterprises to prioritize digital upskilling, integrate research and innovation into job functions, strengthen adaptability to organizational changes, and view second-language development as a strategic resource. This study offers valuable insights for designing targeted training strategies aligned with the sector’s dynamic demands and advances the broader discourse on digital literacy in workforce development.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Zuñiga-Collazos & Juan Miguel Velásquez Orozco & Alexis Rojas-Ospina, 2025. "Digital Competences and Their Impact on Employability in the Tourism Sector—An Applied Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:6133-:d:1694532
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sergio Manuel Madero Gómez & Gustavo A. Barboza, 2015. "Interrelationship of culture, labor flexibility, strategic alignment, innovation and firm performance," Contaduría y Administración, Accounting and Management, vol. 60(4), pages 735-756, Octubre-D.
    2. Martínez-Caro, Eva & Cegarra-Navarro, Juan Gabriel & Alfonso-Ruiz, Francisco Javier, 2020. "Digital technologies and firm performance: The role of digital organisational culture," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    3. Shakina, Elena & Parshakov, Petr & Alsufiev, Artem, 2021. "Rethinking the corporate digital divide: The complementarity of technologies and the demand for digital skills," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 162(C).
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