Needs Assessment of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management CARES Program: Basis for Implementation

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study assessed the training needs of community partners of the Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM) Community Awareness, Relations, and Extension Services (CARES) Program as a basis for implementation. Methods: A descriptive quantitative design was used with a structured questionnaire administered to 100 respondents from Looc, Opao, Paknaan, Umapad, and Bidlisiw in Mandaue City, Cebu. Data were summarized using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and ranking. Results: Respondents were predominantly aged 30 years and above (54%), female (60%), married (51%), and college-level or college educated (68% combined), while 65% had lived in their communities for more than 10 years. All six proposed training areas were rated Highly Interested: Tour Guiding (M = 3.65), Community-Based Tourism (M = 3.60), Customer Service (M = 3.58), Travel and Tour Services (M = 3.57), Souvenir Product Development (M = 3.50), and Photography Tourism (M = 3.49). The strongest participation purpose was enhancing employability (M = 3.87), followed by developing practical skills (M = 3.75) and building confidence and professionalism (M = 3.69). Conclusion: The findings support a BSTM CARES training package centered on Tour Guiding, complemented by Community-Based Tourism and Customer Service, with practical activities and community-responsive implementation. Keywords: Adult learning; community-based tourism; community extension; needs assessment; tourism training; tour guiding