EasyJet holidays has supported the creation of two training courses which aim to help travel professionals to develop responsible tourism and to manage overtourism.
The 10-week courses have been launched by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism global (ICRT global) and are constructed by Professor Emeritus Dr Harold Goodwin.
He has pioneered Masters courses in responsible tourism management at Greenwich, Leeds Beckett and Manchester Metropolitan universities.
Matt Callaghan (pictured), chief operating officer of easyJet holidays, said: “We believe that education, collaboration and rapid implementation are what is needed for us to jointly invest in enhancing the places we love to visit.
“That’s why we’re delighted to see the launch of these inaugural two courses with ICRT global, as their founding partner.
“Education can empower change, and help people and the industry make informed choices, to create a positive impact on the environment and local communities that make holidays so special.”
Goodwin added: “Our ICRT global courses are designed for changemakers who want to make tourism better for communities, their local economy and better for businesses.
“Our responsible tourism course will look at how to create business advantages while developing sustainably.
Our managing overtourism course will look at the many causes of overtourism, the range of solutions and the levers that can be used to manage them all.
“We define overtourism as the point at which hosts, guests, locals or visitors feel that there are too many visitors and that the quality of the life in the area, or the quality of the experience has deteriorated unacceptably.”
ICRT global courses start from £365 for a 10-week online course including the final professional certificate.
The courses include videos of lectures, interviews and conversations, written course materials and links to further reading and resourcing.
They are aimed at anyone in the travel and hospitality industry interested in making a difference, particularly middle and senior managers.
The training is at postgraduate level but those people taking the course do not need a degree to take part.
The first scheduled course, for the Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism, will begin on January 30, 2025. The Professional Certificate in Managing Overtourism begins on February 27.
A second course on responsible tourism starts on March 27, followed by another overtourism course from April 24.