Free climate training course launched...

Destinations to be equipped with resources to create an action plan

Sustainable tourism non-profit, the Travel Foundation, has launched a free online climate action training programme for destinations in partnership with Expedia Group.

Destination Climate Champions is the first course of its kind that is free to access for those working in Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and National Tourism Organisations (NTOs).

People taking the course can learn how to create a blueprint for action and gain access to a network of similar organisations around the world.

The training is self-paced and has eight modules, and destinations should be ready to create their own Climate Action Plan by the end of the course.

Jeremy Sampson, CEO of the Travel Foundation, said the launch comes at a pivotal moment for tourism, with an “urgent need for transition” to a climate-resilient, low-carbon industry that safeguards livelihoods and the future of destinations.

Tourism contributes more than US$9.9 trillion to the global economy in 2023, and the sector’s impact on communities within popular destinations cannot be overstated.

Concerns about overtourism, carbon emissions and cultural erosion have led to a shift in focus towards sustainable tourism, and industry leaders are working out how to preserve destinations while maintaining profitability.

Sampson argues that DMOs are in a unique position to “lead this change” by bringing the many stakeholders together, identifying local needs and understanding the key risks to their tourism economy, place and people.

“This programme supports destination leaders to gain fundamental knowledge and skills related to climate action and helps tourism professionals from organisations of all shapes and sizes to understand how climate change affects their destination and what they need to do about it,” he said.

Destination Climate Champions online course

It has already been trialled with 40 DMOs across the globe, with participants saying they felt they had the knowledge and tools to create or improve a Climate Action Plan having taken the course.

“Nearly 50 more have begun the course since December, demonstrating strong interest in this offering,” said Aditi Mohapatra, Vice President of Global Social Impact and Sustainability at Expedia Group.

The Travel Foundation has worked with the likes of Visit Finland, Visit Scotland, Honduras, the Canaries and more, and was one of the co-authors of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

The course operates on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, visit thetravelfoundation.org.uk/campaign/destination-climate-champions

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