Introduction to the course

2020 has been the most difficult year in the history of tourism. International arrivals fell by 72% in the first ten months of 2020, with travel restrictions, low consumer confidence and the global struggle to contain the COVID-19 virus all contributing to the worst year on record. Tourism is an important driver of inclusive socio-economic development, generating many jobs in fragile segments of society. Migrants, refugees and indigenous populations have been heavily affected by the economic impact of COVID-19. While news of the vaccine has boosted tourist confidence, there is still a long road to recovery. The present situation is also an opportunity to guide the sector towards greater sustainability and inclusiveness, and to show its immense potential for generating lasting development. The "Building a Sustainable, Responsible and Inclusive Tourism Post COVID-19" distance-learning course offers participants the possibility to explore concepts, strategies and ideas, and their practical application to sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism in response to the impacts and challenges of COVID-19.

Who attends this course?

The course is offered to the staff of private-sector tourism operators, ministries of tourism, local and regional governments, employers' and workers' organizations, NGOs involved in promoting tourism.

How is the course organized?

It consists of three modules. Each module contains texts, exercises and questionnaires. Participants can learn from any location, at any time of the day or night, as the course is delivered via distance learning. Participants will be asked to comment on specific topics and to complete questionnaires and tasks related to the different modules.

In addition, three live sessions or webinars will be held (one for each module). These interactive sessions will focus on key issues of interest to participants and the presentation of practical group work. The live sessions and webinars will be conducted via videoconference.

Participants will have access to a collaborative platform on the ITC-ILO eCampus where they can access the course material and interact with tutors and participants.

What is the course content?

The course consists of the following three modules:

• How to reactivate sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism safely?
• How to develop a sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism experience that best meets the challenges of COVID-19?
• How to promote and offer a sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism product that best responds to the changes in demand due to COVID-19?

What will I learn in the course?

Participants will improve their knowledge:

• Recovery plans and measures and good practices for the resilience of tourism companies to adapt to the reality of COVID-19
• Development of sustainable and responsible tourism products that promote the participation of vulnerable segments of society in the sector
• Tourism marketing strategies and the development of communication strategies in response to the COVID-19 crisis.