In a significant step towards climate action in tourism, Travel Foundation has launched a pioneering free-to-access training programme for destinations.

Developed in partnership with Expedia Group, the Destination Climate Champions initiative aims to equip Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) with the tools and knowledge needed to address climate change effectively.

Following a successful pilot scheme, this innovative programme seeks to bridge the gap in climate literacy within the tourism sector.

According to a press statement, ‘Destination Climate Champions’ is the first climate action training course tailored for tourism destinations, made free to access through the sponsorship of Expedia Group.

It further adds that the course consists of eight modules covering a wide range of critical topics, including the creation of climate action plans and the future-proofing of marketing strategies. Additionally, participants will engage in three facilitated peer-to-peer workshops to exchange ideas and solutions.

Each module takes approximately one to two hours, with additional time required for tasks. Further personalised coaching and training sessions are available as optional add-ons.

Thus, by the end of the course, destinations will be equipped to draft their own Climate Action Plan.

According to the press statement, the programme has been carefully designed to help tourism professionals develop climate literacy, understand the implications of climate change on tourism, gain the confidence and skills needed to lead positive change, create a concrete action plan for climate resilience, and connect with a network of organisations tackling similar challenges.

Moreover, due to programme flexibility, participants can progress at their own pace, allowing them to balance learning with professional and personal commitments.

Meanwhile, the pilot phase of Destination Climate Champions saw participation from over 40 DMOs across four key regions, namely Europe, the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada, New Zealand, and South Pacific.

According to the press statement, the programme’s ability to simplify complex climate topics into manageable steps received overwhelmingly positive feedback from pilot participants. It provided them with increased confidence in communicating climate strategies with stakeholders, a stronger justification for business investment in climate action, and a valuable network of peers facing similar climate-related challenges.

“The course was very helpful in bringing such a broad and widely discussed topic and ensuring it stayed relevant to the work of DMOs. I felt that I could align what I was learning in every module with my day-to-day work,” says Serena Meredith, participant from UK’s Visit West.

“What I really valued was the opportunity to learn and understand how others are tackling some of the issues – the chance to come together, talk to others, and share learning and experiences,” says Richard Drakeley, National Forest, UK.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with the Travel Foundation to launch the Destination Climate Champions programme. Forty DMOs from around the world joined as pilot participants in 2024, and nearly 50 more have begun the course since December,” says Aditi Mohapatra, Vice President of Global Social Impact and Sustainability at Expedia Group.

“Adapting to climate change requires a collective effort across the entire travel industry. Through the Destination Climate Champions programme, we give DMOs the resources they need to better support the complex topic of climate and promote responsible tourism,” she adds.

“This programme supports destination leaders to gain vital climate action knowledge and skills. It helps tourism professionals from organisations of all shapes and sizes understand how climate change affects their destination and what they need to do about it. The training programme comes at a pivotal moment for tourism; there is an urgent need for a transition to a climate-resilient, low-carbon industry that safeguards livelihoods and the future of destinations,” says Jeremy Sampson, CEO, Travel Foundation.