UN Tourism and IB Now Work Together to Develop Future Tourism Professionals, Get the Details Here

Published on December 12, 2025

In a historic collaboration, UN Tourism and the International Baccalaureate Organization have jointly made an announcement about a new partnership that will seek to develop and enhance tourism education at a high school level. Through this collaboration, young people will be empowered with knowledge and skills necessary for success within the rapidly expanding tourism sector. It should be noted that the partnership will be implemented via a Memorandum of Understanding and represents a significant milestone within efforts aimed at ensuring that young people have access to tools necessary within an industry that plays a vital role within global economies, cultures, and societies.

Key Areas of Collaboration: Enhancing Skills and Knowledge for Young Tourism Students

The new collaboration between UN Tourism and IB will focus on several key areas to ensure that high school students can access high-quality tourism education. One of the primary goals is to enhance the skills and knowledge of young tourism students. Both organizations plan to jointly explore initiatives that will offer students a deeper understanding of tourism’s multifaceted nature. This includes topics such as sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, hospitality, travel management, and the economic impact of tourism on local communities.

The partnership also seeks to improve the quality of tourism education globally. By leveraging the expertise of both organizations, the collaboration will explore innovative ways to bring tourism education to the forefront of high school curricula around the world. Whether through online platforms, educational materials, or teacher training programs, the goal is to create accessible, high-quality content that prepares students for success in the tourism industry.

Building Capacity and Professional Development for Future Tourism Professionals

Another key focus of this partnership is capacity building and professional development for students interested in pursuing careers in tourism. Both UN Tourism and IB recognize that a successful career in tourism requires more than just theoretical knowledge. It demands practical skills, hands-on experience, and a deep understanding of the global tourism landscape.

Through this partnership, the organizations will explore opportunities for internships, mentorship programs, and workshops that offer students real-world experience in the tourism sector. By collaborating with tourism businesses, students will be able to gain insights into the industry’s challenges and opportunities, developing skills that are directly applicable to their future careers. These initiatives will not only benefit students but also the tourism industry by ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet the sector’s growing demands.

The Importance of Quality Tourism Education for Young People

UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the importance of quality tourism education for young people, stating that it is essential for fostering the next generation of tourism leaders. “Quality tourism education for all is key to supporting young people and allowing them to work and thrive in our sector,” said Pololikashvili. “With the International Baccalaureate Organization, we will work to allow high school-level students to develop the skills and knowledge that tourism businesses are looking for.”

This collaboration aims to provide young people with the necessary tools to not only enter the tourism industry but to succeed and contribute to its sustainable development. By equipping high school students with a solid foundation in tourism education, the partnership is helping to create a new wave of professionals who are not only skilled but also aware of the importance of sustainable practices in the tourism sector.

A Global Perspective: Connecting Cultures and Fostering Responsibility

IB Director General Olli-Pekka Heinonen highlighted the importance of education in shaping industries and connecting people across the globe. “Education plays a critical role in shaping industries, connecting people, and fostering responsibility in a shared global economy, while tourism brings cultures, economies, and communities together,” Heinonen explained. He added that this partnership with UN Tourism will expand opportunities for young people to develop real-world skills in the tourism sector, providing them with the tools to engage with a globalized world.

The emphasis on connecting cultures and fostering responsibility aligns with the core values of both organizations. Tourism is a bridge between cultures, providing an opportunity for mutual understanding and shared experiences. Through education, young people can learn the importance of promoting responsible, sustainable tourism that benefits not only the industry but also the destinations and communities they interact with.

Impact on Travel and Tourism: Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders

As the tourism industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate the complexities of sustainable tourism and global travel is growing. The partnership between UN Tourism and IB will play a key role in preparing young people to meet these challenges and lead the way in shaping the future of tourism.

For the tourism industry, this collaboration presents an opportunity to invest in its future workforce. By providing students with access to high-quality education and practical experiences, the industry ensures that it will have a steady supply of professionals who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about creating a positive impact on the global tourism landscape.

The Role of Education in Shaping a Sustainable Tourism Industry

The need for sustainable tourism practices has never been more urgent. As the tourism sector recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to grow, there is an increasing focus on ensuring that tourism benefits local communities, preserves natural resources, and supports cultural heritage. By equipping young people with the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in sustainable tourism, this partnership helps to ensure that the next generation of tourism professionals is prepared to meet these challenges head-on.

A Partnership for the Future of Tourism Education

This commitment by UN Tourism, together with the International Baccalaureate Organization, marks the beginning of a new era in tourism education in high school. The partnership shall develop skills, build capacity, and focus on practical work that shall raise a new cadre of tourism professionals who are not only skillful but also heed the call for sustainability and cultural understanding. This will be preserved in the history of the tourism industry, putting the youth abreast with challenges likely to be thrown up by a fast-changing global market.