Booking.com, in collaboration with UN Tourism, has launched a new series of online training sessions aimed at transforming sustainability in the hospitality industry. These courses, hosted on the Tourism Online Academy (TOA)—a collaborative project between UN Tourism and IE University—focus on key areas such as community engagement, energy and greenhouse gases, food, and water management.
Course Overview
These four Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are designed to tackle the most pressing sustainability challenges facing the hospitality sector today. While specifically targeted at hospitality businesses, these courses are open to the general public, offering everyone the opportunity to learn and contribute to sustainable tourism.
- Energy and Climate Action
This course emphasizes the importance of efficient energy use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It explores strategies that hospitality businesses can adopt to become more resilient, contribute to the fight against climate change, and reduce operational costs. - Food Management
Sustainable food management is crucial in minimizing waste, supporting local economies, and promoting healthier and more responsible consumption patterns. This course provides insights into how the hospitality industry can adopt practices that benefit both the planet and local communities. - Water Efficiency
As water becomes an increasingly scarce resource, particularly in many tourism hotspots, this course offers guidance on how hospitality businesses can reduce water wastage and boost efficiency, ensuring long-term sustainability. - Community Engagement
Engaging with local communities is essential in creating a tourism model that not only empowers the people at the heart of destinations but also enriches the tourism experience. This course explores ways to foster meaningful connections and collaborations with local communities.
Why It Matters
The hospitality industry is uniquely positioned to lead by example in sustainable practices. These courses aim to shift production and consumption patterns within the industry, contributing to broader environmental and social goals. They support the implementation of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, which UN Tourism leads in collaboration with UNEP.
How to Access the Courses
All courses are available on the UN Tourism Online Academy free of charge, with the option to obtain a certificate of completion for a symbolic fee. Whether you are a hospitality professional or simply interested in sustainability, these courses provide valuable knowledge and tools to make a positive impact.
- Your Journey to More Sustainable Energy Management
- Your Journey to More Sustainable Food Management
- Your Journey to More Sustainable Water Management
- Your Journey to More Sustainable Community Engagement
This online education initiative is a significant step toward fostering a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry and beyond. Join the journey to sustainability and start making a difference today.
