ABSTRACT: The role of vocational education in promoting sustainable tourism development is vital for fostering responsible tourism practices and environmental conservation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of vocational programs in sustainable tourism, identify key competencies required for sustainable tourism careers, and assess student readiness for employment in this field. A survey design was employed to collect comprehensive data from students enrolled in vocational tourism programs. The sample size included 200 students from various technical institutions specializing in tourism and hospitality management. Purposive sampling was used to select participants with a background in tourism studies. The case study was conducted at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Findings indicated that vocational education significantly improved students' understanding of sustainable tourism principles, enhanced their practical skills in eco-friendly tourism practices, and prepared them effectively for careers in sustainable tourism. Students expressed high levels of satisfaction with the training, highlighting the practical applications and environmental impact of the skills acquired. It was recommended that vocational training institutions expand their sustainable tourism curricula and foster partnerships with industry stakeholders to ensure training programs remain relevant and impactful.