Tourism accounts for 5% of global GDP, as per the World Tourism Organization. It contributes to 6% of global service exports and 235 million employment, or one out of every 12 jobs globally. Tourism is without a doubt a gold mine.
Why study tourism online? Every day, millions of individuals are forced to travel for various reasons. They come from various backgrounds, with varying levels of expertise and expectations.
The capacity to assist someone, satisfy their requirements, or just make them feel at ease is a critical component of practically any business today, particularly in hospitality and tourism.
With an increase in the number of visitors, additional skilled professionals are needed in the areas of housing, food, travel, and events, where online tourism training plays a vital role.
According to analysts, one out of every ten people in the globe works in the hospitality business, making it one of the world’s fastest expanding industries.
Here is a list of the best tourism courses to enable you to acquire the necessary skills to build a career in the tourism sector.
Best Online Tourism Courses To Study Tourism Online
- Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health by the University of Copenhagen [Coursera]
- Tourism and Travel Management by University of Queensland [edX]
- Sustainable Tourism: Rethinking the future by Wageningen University
- MicroMasters Program in International Hospitality Management by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University [edX]
- Range of travel and tourism courses from Alison
- Travel and Tourism courses by IATA
- Travel & Tourism Diploma and Advanced Diploma by International Career Institute
- Tourism Online Academy’s Range of courses in association with the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations
8 Best Tourism Courses for This Year
1. Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health by the University of Copenhagen [Coursera]
The goal of this one of the best online tourism training is to educate students on ideas of sustainable tourism development, as well as its patterns, principles, and applications in tourist management.
This course aids the formation of a comprehensive understanding of the tourism industry’s effects on sites and their local communities.
| Rating | 4.7 |
| Certification | Only in the paid version |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 14 hours on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 1045 students |
| Instructor | Flemming Konradsen |
| Cons | You need university email id to access the full course. |
Learning Outcomes
In these Coursera online tourism courses, you shall gain a subtle understanding of the following:
- Global tourism patterns and their economic, environmental, and social consequences.
- Various aspects of Zanzibar’s tourism industry and its effects on the local environment.
- The agendas and remedies adopted by many countries to control waste management.
Prerequisites
To make the most out of the best online tourism training, you must keep these handy:
- A stable internet connection for uninterrupted learning.
- Basic knowledge of the various tourist locations of Zanzibar.
- A phone, tablet, or a computer device to access the online course.
Who is this course suitable for?
This online tourism certificate is a must-have for:
- Anyone who looks upon tourism as a career option.
- Tourism agency owners who want to expand their areas of operation.
- Any hospitality student required to work in tourist spots.
Review JC.
I learned a lot regarding the topic of sustainable tourism, Thanks for the excellence of the professor who gives every little detail pertaining to the topic. It was indeed a very knowleageable course.
2. Tourism and Travel Management by University of Queensland [edX]
This is one of the best online tourism courses with certificates that is tailored to provide each student who takes part in it, with the greatest skill orientation and foundational knowledge needed to work in the travel and tourism business.
You will get a thorough grasp of the tourist sector, including all of the industry’s stakeholders, and the business opportunities accessible after having achieved the best online tourism certificate.
| Certification | Only in the paid version |
| Paid | Optional upgrade available |
| Duration | 2-3 hours per week for 7 weeks |
| Enrolled | 46,386 students |
| Instructors | Sara Dolnicar, Sally Driml, and Sheranne Fairley |
Learning Outcomes
It is one of the best tourism courses where you will be learning about:
- The range of challenges and complexities faced by the tourism industry.
- The general rules and regulations of a travel management business.
- Strategizing ideas to tackle the issues and problems faced by the tourism industry.
Prerequisites
To learn from the online tourism courses brought to you by edX, you should have:
- An internet-enabled device to access the course.
- Note-taking equipment is a must for this course.
- A basic understanding of the problems faced by the tourism industry.
Who is this course suitable for?
Individuals expected to study tourism online from this course are:
- Already working professionals in the tourism, hospitality, and events industry.
- Beginners looking to get a solid introduction to this industry can also join this one of the best tourism courses.
- Anyone who is interested to learn about travel management.
3. Sustainable Tourism: Rethinking the future by Wageningen University [edX]
This online tourism training course introduces students to the major environmental health and natural resource management issues that have risen as a result of international tourism’s fast expansion.
Hence, the main objective here is to share experiences as well as possible options for developing a more sustainable tourist industry.
| Certification | Only in the paid version |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 6-8 hours per week for 9 weeks |
| Enrolled | 7995 students |
| Instructor | Dr. Arjaan Pellis and Joost Van Heiningen |
Learning Outcomes
To obtain the best online tourism certificate, you must familiarize yourself with:
- How to apply knowledge from multiple tourism disciplines.
- How to participate in current discussions about tourism’s future growth.
- The impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on the tourist sector.
Prerequisites
For enrolling in this one of the best tourism courses, you must be in possession of:
- Basic knowledge of the ‘Hows’ and ‘Whys’ of environmental pollution.
- A high school certificate.
- Note-taking gears to enhance retention.
Who is this course suitable for?
The online tourism courses are meant to study tourism online for:
- Working professionals in the tourism sector.
- Tourism business owners who want to strategically boost their sales.
- A regular tourist who is curious to know about the insider facts of the tourism industry.
4. MicroMasters Program in International Hospitality Management by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University [edX]
This is the best graduation level program in hospitality management from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in association with edX.
The tourism courses included in this program are:
- Managing Human Resources in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.
- Managing Marketing in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry.
- Innovation and Technology Management in Tourism and Hospitality.
- Luxury Management.
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Certification | Only in the paid version |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 6-8 hours per week for 8 months |
| Instructors | Alice Hon, Dan Wang, Catherine Cheung, and Ada Lo |
| Cons | This program is not so pocket friendly. |
Learning Outcomes
In this online tourism training program by edX, you shall master:
- Evaluate and assess human resource functions and employee motivation.
- Analyze and apply numerous marketing ideas, concepts, and technologies for hospitality industry.
- Examine and analyze research articles on luxury brand management w.r.t hospitality.
Prerequisites
In order to study tourism online with this training program, you need:
- No prior knowledge of tourism and hospitality.
- Note-taking for better retention of information is suggested.
- Wi-Fi or 4G enabled device to learn seamlessly.
Who is this course suitable for?
This program has some of the best tourism courses highly suitable for:
- Hotel Management students who want to excel in hospitality.
- Hotel managers and owners who want to train their employees.
- Other hospitality professionals looking to up skill their game.
5. Range of travel and tourism courses from Alison
Alison’s best online tourism courses are intended to train future executives of the world hospitality business. You will study via a combination of strategic viewpoints and pragmatic execution, issue identification and decision-making, multidisciplinary theories and management applications, and so on.
Here are some of the best courses from Alison to study tourism online:
- Tourism – Retail Travel Sales by Global Text Project.
- Introduction to Hospitality Management Studies by Openstax CNX..
- Tourism – Introduction to Travel Patterns and Destinations.
- Introduction to Leisure Management by One Education.
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Certification | Only in the paid version |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | Depends upon the course. |
| Instructors | Various |
Learning Outcomes
Having achieved an online tourism certificate from any of the top courses by Alison, you would have learned:
- The significant role of retail travel agencies in the travel and tourism sector.
- The gradual change in touring patterns with time.
- Marketing and management techniques to overcome challenges.
Prerequisites
The common requirements to learn from the best tourism courses are:
- High-speed internet connection to access the on-demand videos.
Who is this course suitable for?
These online tourism training courses are specially meant for:
- Marketing and management professionals entering the hospitality business.
- Individuals who wish to start their own retail or wholesale travel agency.
- Advertising agencies who wish to serve their tourism business clients.
6. Travel and Tourism courses by IATA
These are the best online tourism courses with certificates that will teach you all you need to know about various types of tourism.
These courses discuss the importance of tourism to the global economy, and how to attract and retain tourists in various places.
Here is a list of the best tourism courses offered to you by IATA:
- Assisting Travelers with Special Needs (partner-taught or self-study).
- BSP and BSPLink Training for Travel Agents (classroom).
- BSP Standard Documents and Procedures (e-learning).
- Foundation in Travel and Tourism Diploma.
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Certification | Only in the paid version |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | Depends upon the course. |
| Instructors | Various |
Learning Outcomes
The learning objectives to study tourism online through these courses are:
- To schedule and organize travel itineraries.
- Maintain client loyalty by providing excellent consumer service.
- Analyze financial data in order to make business decisions.
Prerequisites
To learn and obtain an online tourism certificate, you might consider having:
- An interest to learn and better serve tourists and guests.
- An uncompromised internet connection & device.
Who is this course suitable for?
These online tourism courses can be very helpful for:
- Travel Agency owners who want to improve their business’s financial health.
- Travel Agents who want to learn about IATA billing and settlement procedures.
- Individuals who want to earn a diploma in travel and tourism.
7. Travel & Tourism Diploma and Advanced Diploma by International Career Institute
This is another one of the best tourism courses where you can learn about the information and skills required to operate in the travel and tourism sector and become a successful trip professional.
Give guidance on the flight, lodging, and tour items, as well as how to guarantee that clients meet all applicable travel criteria.
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Certification | Only in the paid version |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration of diploma | 24 weeks |
| Duration of advanced diploma | 31 weeks |
Learning Outcomes
In this one of the best online tourism courses, you shall acquire knowledge of:
- Kickstart and boost your tourism career.
- Discover the exclusive secrets to becoming a travel and tourism professional.
Prerequisites
For this best online tourism training course, there are no prerequisites.
Who is this course suitable for?
This is one of the best online tourism certificate courses that has been specially designed for:
- Already working professionals who want to update their existing skillset.
- Airline reservation agents and operators.
- High school graduates who want to opt for tourism as a career option.
8. Tourism Online Academy’s Range of courses in association with the World Tourism Organization of the United Nations
The content of the online tourism courses offers a relevant and engaging learning experience. Learning, tutorial support, and examinations may take place at any time and in any location throughout the world.
Here is a list of the top self-paced online tourism certificate courses by Tourism Online Academy:
- Introduction to Tourism – Industry Management.
- Introduction To International Tourism And Travel Law.
- Hotel Revenue Management: The Strategy And Tactics Of Hotel Room Pricing.
| Medium of Instruction | Depends upon the course |
| Paid | Yes |
| Certificate | Available for a small fee |
| Duration | Different for different courses |
| Instructors | Various |
Learning Outcomes
It is one of the best tourism courses available online where you can learn about:
- Tourism industry’s digital change and innovation.
- The significance of big data in the tourism industry.
- The relevance of supply chain management in the tourism industry.
Who is this course suitable for?
This is one of the best online tourism training programs and is most suited for:
- Travel Agency owners.
- Tourism students who want to supplement their existing knowledge.
- World tour guides
Related: Best Airbnb Courses, Top Restaurant Management Training, Bartending Classes
Conclusion
This was our list of best online tourism courses with certificates prepared with a vision to include courses to suit everyone’s requirements. These courses will enable you to build a successful career in the tourism and hospitality industry.
