2017 was nominated as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Raising awareness of Sustainable Tourism issues and principles helps us all: tourist guides, visitors, sites and local populations. The “Sustainable Tourism” seminar aims to highlight the ways in which tourist guides can help to promote and implement sustainable tourism in their own areas of guiding.

In the “Sustainable Tourism” seminar we find key points in the history and development of our industry which have led to the current international emphasis on sustainability. These include not only environmental concerns but also economic factors and the impact of tourism on local populations. Continuing, we study the principles of what makes a guided tour compatible with the concept of sustainable tourism and focus specifically on the role of the tourist guide in fulfilling some of these requirements.

All qualified tourist guides are eligible to attend.

What will the course participants gain?

• Understand the principles of tourism development and its cycles
• Explore the positives and negatives of Site Carrying Capacities
• Become familiar with terms such as Unbalanced Tourism, Greenwashing, Sustainable, Responsible and Eco Tourism
• Recognise the effects of unbalanced tourism on local communities
• Learn using case studies related to tourism
• Obtain information and tips on how do develop sustainable guiding practices

General Information

The programme consists of 4 hours directed learning, online or face-to-face. It covers a range of development activities, essential in any guide training programme. The skills gained are transferable to many tourist guiding situations.

Programme trainers are FEG accredited. To achieve best possible results the number of the course participants is limited.

All trainees of the “Sustainable Tourism” seminar will be awarded a FEG e-certificate of attendance.