Global Tourism Education Gets a Boost as UN Tourism and IB Collaborate to Shape the Future Workforce

Published on December 12, 2025

In a significant move aimed at improving the quality and accessibility of tourism education worldwide, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) have entered into a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration is set to focus on enhancing tourism education by fostering skills and knowledge development for young students in the sector. The partnership aims to provide a structured platform for students to gain the competencies necessary to thrive in the growing global tourism industry.

Strengthening Tourism Education for the Next Generation

As part of this new collaboration, both organizations will jointly explore initiatives designed to boost the skills and knowledge of young tourism students. The objective is to ensure that these students are equipped with the competencies and understanding required to meet the demands of the tourism sector. This partnership will prioritize the development of practical skills, allowing students to acquire the expertise needed for success in one of the world’s largest and most dynamic industries.

With the tourism sector rapidly evolving, having a skilled and knowledgeable workforce is essential for the continued growth and sustainability of the industry. UN Tourism and the International Baccalaureate recognize the need for a well-trained, global workforce that can adapt to emerging trends and innovations in the tourism space. Through this collaboration, both organizations will work together to create educational frameworks that help students build these necessary skills, ensuring that they are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to the tourism industry.

Enhancing Professional Development and Capacity Building

Another key component of the partnership is focused on capacity building and professional development for young students entering the tourism sector. The organizations aim to create and explore opportunities that will help students enhance their professional skills and prepare for careers in tourism. This will involve the design of programs and workshops that provide hands-on experience and insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry.

By prioritizing professional development, the partnership seeks to empower students with the confidence and practical knowledge they need to succeed. Whether they are interested in destination management, hospitality, tourism marketing, or other aspects of the sector, the goal is to provide young learners with the necessary tools to thrive in an increasingly competitive and fast-paced tourism environment.

Fostering Ongoing Dialogue in Tourism Education

The MoU between UN Tourism and the IB will also facilitate ongoing dialogue between both parties to identify potential areas of mutual interest related to tourism and education. This open exchange will ensure that the partnership remains aligned with the evolving needs of the tourism industry and its education systems. By maintaining a strong line of communication, both organizations can remain agile in their approach to curriculum development, ensuring that education programs reflect the current trends and needs of the sector.

Through continuous engagement, this collaboration will help to develop new strategies and approaches for integrating tourism education into high school curricula worldwide. This ongoing dialogue will be essential for identifying gaps in current education systems and finding innovative solutions to address them.

A Vision for Quality Tourism Education

The collaboration underscores the belief that quality tourism education is crucial for supporting young people and helping them thrive in the tourism industry. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted that fostering quality education for all is key to helping young individuals develop the skills needed to work and succeed in the tourism sector. Through this partnership, students will have the opportunity to acquire the skills that tourism businesses are actively seeking, ensuring they are ready for the demands of the industry.

Pololikashvili emphasized the importance of this initiative in empowering young people globally to not only join the tourism industry but to become leaders and innovators within it. He stressed that the collaboration with the IB will allow high school students to develop essential skills and knowledge, bridging the gap between academic learning and the practical requirements of the tourism sector.

The Role of Education in Tourism’s Global Impact

The International Baccalaureate’s Director General, Olli-Pekka Heinonen, also spoke about the significance of education in shaping industries and fostering a sense of responsibility in the global economy. Heinonen pointed out that education plays a critical role in connecting people, fostering cultural exchange, and developing responsibility in a rapidly interconnected world. Tourism, with its capacity to bring together diverse cultures and economies, provides an excellent platform for students to gain real-world experience in a growing global sector.

Heinonen noted that this collaboration with UN Tourism would help expand opportunities for young people, enabling them to develop the skills necessary for success in the tourism industry. The rapidly growing sector offers a multitude of career possibilities, from management and marketing to customer service and environmental sustainability. The partnership between the IB and UN Tourism will create pathways for students to engage with these career opportunities from an early age, preparing them to contribute to the industry’s development.

Preparing Young People for a Thriving Industry

Tourism is one of the world’s most vital economic sectors, responsible for creating jobs, driving economic development, and promoting cultural understanding. With the industry continuing to evolve, it is essential that the next generation of tourism professionals is equipped with the right skills and knowledge to meet the challenges ahead. The partnership between UN Tourism and the IB aims to ensure that young students worldwide have access to high-quality education and professional development opportunities in tourism.

This collaboration will pave the way for the next generation of tourism leaders, who will be equipped to navigate the complexities of the sector and contribute to its growth and sustainability. By investing in education and professional development, the partnership is laying the groundwork for a brighter future for both young individuals and the tourism industry as a whole.

Conclusion

The Memorandum of Understanding between UN Tourism and the International Baccalaureate marks a crucial step in enhancing global tourism education. Through joint initiatives focused on skills development, capacity building, and ongoing dialogue, the partnership aims to empower young people with the tools they need to succeed in the tourism industry. With a shared vision for quality education, this collaboration will create new opportunities for students, shaping the future of tourism and fostering a sustainable, globally connected industry.

[Image Credit: UN Tourism]