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
We will compare the top courses in sustainable tourism and hospitality management. Bonus courses are not included in this table but will be covered afterward.
| Course Title | Author | Rating | Duration | Level | Scope | Cons | Get Access |
| Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health | Flemming Konradsen | 4.7 | 14 hours | Beginner | Introduction to sustainable tourism principles and impact on local communities. | University email required for full access | Enroll Now |
| Tourism and Travel Management | Sara Dolnicar, Sally Driml, Sheranne Fairley | 3.8 | 2-3 hours per week for 7 weeks | Intermediate | Covers foundational knowledge and skills for the travel and tourism industry, addressing industry challenges and opportunities. | Paid certification | Enroll Now |
| Sustainable Tourism: Rethinking the Future | Dr. Arjaan Pellis, Joost van Heiningen | 4.4 | 6-8 hours per week for 9 weeks | Intermediate | Focuses on sustainable practices, addressing environmental, health, and resource management in tourism. | Requires prior knowledge of pollution basics | Enroll Now |
| MicroMasters in International Hospitality Management | Alice Hon, Dan Wang, Catherine Cheung, Ada Lo | 4.4 | 6-8 hours per week for 8 months | Beginner | In-depth study of hospitality management, including HR, marketing, technology, and luxury management for global tourism. | Expensive | Enroll Now |
8 Best Tourism Courses for This Year
We will cover these courses in detail, along with bonus courses.
1. Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health by the University of Copenhagen [Coursera]
Cost: Available on Sign Up
Level: Beginner
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 in the formation of a comprehensive understanding of the effects of the tourism industry on sites and their local communities.
Studying under Professor Flemming Konradsen offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from a leader with extensive expertise in environmental and global health. His over two decades of field-based research across Asia, Africa, and Europe provide invaluable insights into tackling real-world health challenges.
With his focus on practical approaches in areas like sanitation, vector-borne diseases, and pesticide poisoning, Professor Konradsen brings a wealth of interdisciplinary experience, making him an inspiring and knowledgeable mentor in global health education.
| Rating | 4.7 based on 1,310 reviews |
| Certification | Only in the paid version |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 14 hours of on-demand video |
| Enrolled | 39,261 students |
| Instructor | Flemming Konradsen |
| Cons | You need a 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.
Industry Application
This sustainable tourism course equips students with insights into the global impact of tourism, focusing on economic, environmental, and social aspects, which are crucial for a career in tourism and hospitality. By understanding the sustainable practices in tourism management, students gain skills to create environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive experiences. With knowledge of real-world case studies like Zanzibar, they will be better prepared to implement waste management and eco-friendly practices, which are increasingly in demand by employers seeking sustainable tourism solutions.
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]
Cost: Free, but certification is paid.
Level: Intermediate
Rating: 3.8 based on 5 reviews
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.
After achieving the best online tourism certificate, you will gain a thorough grasp of the tourist sector, including all of the industry’s stakeholders, and the business opportunities accessible to you.
Learning from experts like Sara Dolnicar, Sally Driml, and Sheranne Fairley at the University of Queensland offers students access to knowledge from leading researchers in the tourism and hospitality field. These instructors bring extensive academic and practical experience, ensuring that students are equipped not only with theoretical insights but also with strategies grounded in real-world industry challenges. Their combined expertise makes this course both comprehensive and engaging for anyone interested in the tourism sector.
| 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.
Industry Application
This course is perfect for both newcomers to tourism and professionals looking to deepen their expertise. By covering the essential dynamics of the tourism sector, students gain valuable insights into managing industry complexities and discovering new business opportunities. Completing this course enhances a student’s employability in the tourism field by providing foundational skills that can support career advancement in areas such as travel management, event planning, and hospitality.
3. Sustainable Tourism: Rethinking the future by Wageningen University [edX]
Cost: Free, but certification is paid.
Level: Intermediate
Rating: 4.4 based on 152 reviews
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. Studying from Dr. Arjaan Pellis and Joost van Heiningen at Wageningen University & Research offers students a unique blend of academic rigor and hands-on learning in the field of cultural geography and sustainable tourism.
Dr. Pellis brings deep expertise in social conflicts, environmental governance, and conservation policy, enriched by years of fieldwork across Africa and Europe. Meanwhile, Joost van Heiningen, an MSc student with practical insights into leisure and tourism, complements this with fresh, current perspectives on the industry. Together, they provide a well-rounded, dynamic approach to understanding the complexities of tourism and its impact on natural and social landscapes.
| Certification | Only in the paid version |
| Paid | Yes |
| Duration | 6-8 hours per week for 9 weeks |
| Enrolled | 9,489 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
To enroll in this one of the best tourism courses, you must have:
- 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.
Industry Application
Completing this course offers valuable insights into sustainable tourism strategies, making it highly beneficial for careers in tourism management, environmental consulting, and policy-making. Students will gain the skills to address complex industry challenges, adapt to evolving market demands, and make informed decisions that align with sustainable goals, thereby enhancing their employability and effectiveness in the tourism sector.
4. MicroMasters Program in International Hospitality Management by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University [edX]
Cost: $1,000.80
Level: Beginner
Rating: 4.4 based on 152 reviews
This is the best graduation-level program in hospitality management from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in association with edX. The faculty at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management, including Dr. Yitong Yu, Dr. Catherine Cheung, Dr. Dan Wang, and Dr. Ada Lo, brings diverse expertise in leadership, service quality, tourism technology, and digital marketing.
With rich academic backgrounds and a deep understanding of industry trends, they offer a comprehensive, interdisciplinary perspective on the evolving hospitality sector. Learning from these distinguished professors allows students to gain cutting-edge insights and practical knowledge, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in the global tourism and hospitality industry.
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
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 4 G-enabled devices 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.
Industry Application
Completing this MicroMasters program will equip students with a well-rounded skill set, positioning them to excel in managerial roles within the global hospitality industry. They will gain expertise in motivating employees, leveraging marketing strategies, and implementing cutting-edge technologies, all of which are crucial for thriving in competitive hospitality environments. This knowledge will not only enhance their employability but also prepare them for leadership positions in hotels, resorts, and other tourism-related businesses.
Bonus Travel and Tourism Courses
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.
Alison’s travel and tourism courses bring together expertise from various fields, offering learners access to high-quality instruction from industry professionals and academic partners like Openstax CNX and Global Text Project. These instructors and content partners provide a comprehensive view of the tourism industry, covering essential topics from hospitality management to travel sales. With Alison’s flexible online learning platform, students can learn at their own pace, making it an accessible choice for anyone looking to enter or advance in the field.
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.
Industry Application
Completing Alison’s tourism courses provides students with practical skills and foundational knowledge essential for careers in the travel and tourism industry. From learning the role of travel agencies to understanding shifts in travel patterns, students will be equipped to address challenges and make strategic decisions in tourism management. These skills will be particularly beneficial for those looking to work in marketing, start their travel agency, or enter management roles in hospitality, as they gain insights that are directly applicable to the industry.
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. IATA instructors bring a wealth of industry experience, ensuring students receive practical, real-world insights into the travel and tourism sector. Their expertise in areas like global tourism management, finance, and customer service enhances students’ learning, preparing them to excel in the field.
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 for studying 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.
Industry Application
IATA’s travel and tourism courses provide specialized knowledge and practical skills crucial for professionals in the travel industry. By covering areas like travel itinerary planning, financial data analysis, and customer service excellence, these courses empower students to enhance client satisfaction and improve operational efficiency. For travel agency owners and agents, the IATA billing and settlement procedures training offers insights into efficient financial management, helping them streamline transactions and boost profitability. The Foundation in Travel and Tourism Diploma also adds a valuable credential for those seeking to establish or advance their careers in tourism, making them stand out in a competitive job market.
7. Travel & Tourism Diploma and Advanced Diploma by International Career Institute
Cost: $1,088
Level: Beginner
Rating: 4.8 based on 122 reviews
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. Studying under the ICI instructors offers a unique advantage due to their industry expertise and practical approach. With a focus on real-world applications, they provide students with valuable insights into the travel and tourism sector. The instructor’s engaging teaching style ensures that complex concepts are simplified, making it easier for students to absorb and apply their learning effectively. Their dedication to student success is evident, offering guidance and support to help students excel in their careers.
| 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.
Industry Application
This course equips students with foundational knowledge to start or enhance their tourism careers. It also provides insights into industry-specific best practices, preparing graduates for roles in travel agencies, tour operations, and customer service within the tourism sector.
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
Industry Application
These courses from the Tourism Online Academy provide essential knowledge for understanding and adapting to the rapidly evolving tourism industry. By exploring topics like digital transformation, big data, and supply chain management, students gain a competitive edge, enabling them to innovate and make data-driven decisions in various tourism-related roles. Graduates can pursue careers in travel agencies, hotel management, or as tour guides with a deeper understanding of industry trends and strategies.
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.
