Cornell’s Sustainable Tourism To Partner with United Nations Tourism
The Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program at Cornell University’s Center for Sustainable Global Enterprise and the United Nations Tourism are pleased to announce a new partnership with the intent to foster global talent and leadership.
As part of the collaboration, 350 accepted candidates will have an opportunity to receive tuition-free enrollment in Cornell’s Sustainable Tourism Destination Management online course developed with support from the Travel Foundation and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
The Sustainable Tourism Destination Management certificate course is designed for students and working professionals in public and private workplace settings, with tools applicable to the needs of tourism ministries, destination management organizations, protected areas, municipal governments, and NGOs.
“Destination management is a new discipline which requires top expertise to protect vital destination assets and ensure local benefits, as the tourism market expands rapidly worldwide,” said Megan Epler Wood, managing director of the Sustainable Tourism Asset Management Program. “The course introduces advanced tools like geospatial planning and sustainable infrastructure design, allowing destination managers to plan tourism with a long-term, holistic approach. Key areas of focus include increasing the use of renewable energy and ensuring tourism benefits both visitors and local communities.”
A shared goal for both organizations is to help regions address the Invisible Burden of Tourism—the often-overlooked costs of managing tourism—and to preserve the social, cultural, environmental, and economic assets that make destinations unique.
“This partnership with Cornell exemplifies how education can be a catalyst for meaningful change,” said Natalia Bayona, executive director at UN Tourism. “Education is the cornerstone of sustainable tourism development. By equipping professionals and leaders with the tools and knowledge to align their strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals, we are paving the way for a tourism sector that not only drives economic growth but also safeguards our cultural heritage and natural ecosystems for future generations.”
“By joining forces with Cornell, we are empowering destination managers and practitioners with the knowledge they need to protect communities, preserve biodiversity, and ensure tourism remains a driver of positive change,” said Antonio López de Ávila, director of innovation, education and investments at UN Tourism.