The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) is proud to announce its inclusion in the latest Unesco-UNEVOC publication, which highlights innovative practices in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) within the Hospitality and Tourism sector. The publication, featuring examples from Europe, Africa and Asia, recognises ITS' collaborative work with SUNx Malta, particularly the groundbreaking Diploma in Climate Friendly Travel study programme.

Unesco, the United Nations' specialised agency for education, prioritises education as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for peace and sustainable development. The organisation's commitment to addressing global challenges through transformative learning, with a focus on gender equality and Africa, underscores the significance of ITS' contribution to sustainable tourism education.

The Diploma in Climate Friendly Travel, launched in 2020, is the world's first course dedicated to tourism and climate resilience. This two-year, practical programme trains global climate champions both online and on-the-job, preparing them to navigate the complex intersections of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the 1.5˚C global warming threshold established under the 2015 Paris Agreement, the low carbon agenda and the Samoa Pathway for sustainable development and natural resource conservation.

The course, which has attracted applicants from around the globe, is informed by consultations with travel and tourism stakeholders in regions most affected by climate change. This feedback has shaped the course content and structure, as well as the development of a virtual faculty composed of leading experts in climate change and environmental sustainability. ITS and SUNx Malta aim to cultivate a community of 100,000 climate champions by 2030, empowering the travel and tourism sector to adopt sustainable, low-carbon practices.

The SUNx Malta Climate Friendly Travel Registry further supports this mission, providing stakeholders with resources and guidance to pursue green and clean pathways in their operations.

The inclusion of ITS in the Unesco-UNEVOC publication is a testament to the institution's leadership in sustainable tourism education. As late applications for the Diploma in Climate Friendly Travel open from 23 to 28 September, ITS encourages prospective students to join this transformative programme and contribute to a more sustainable future for the global travel industry.