UN Tourism and IB Partnership to Revolutionize High School Tourism Education Globally

Published on December 14, 2025

In a game-changing move aimed at shaping the future of tourism education, the UN World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IB) have formed a strategic partnership to improve access and quality of tourism education at the high school level. This new collaboration, outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will pave the way for a variety of initiatives aimed at improving the skills and knowledge of young people entering the tourism industry.

The agreement is a significant step towards developing long-term educational pathways for future leaders in the global tourism industry. The partnership focuses on exploring opportunities to develop young students’ capabilities through both academic and practical training, ensuring that they are prepared to succeed in an increasingly competitive and evolving industry.

Boosting Tourism Education for Youth: A Global Initiative

The new MoU between UN Tourism and IB comes at a time when the tourism sector is facing both challenges and immense growth opportunities. With tourism recognized as one of the world’s largest industries, there is a clear need for a new generation of skilled professionals to sustain and drive this growth. However, for this to happen, the youth must be equipped with the right education and skills from an early age.

The focus of the collaboration will be on high school students, with an emphasis on enhancing tourism education through joint initiatives. Both organizations are committed to developing educational content, resources, and opportunities that help young learners acquire valuable skills. These initiatives will also foster a deeper understanding of the tourism industry’s role in global economies and communities.

Quality Education: The Cornerstone of a Thriving Tourism Sector

At the heart of this collaboration is the mutual recognition of the importance of quality education. UN Tourism, under the leadership of its Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, emphasizes the critical need for high-quality tourism education accessible to all. According to Pololikashvili, equipping young people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive is essential for the continued growth of the sector.

UN Tourism advocates for educational programmes that not only impart theoretical knowledge but also focus on developing practical skills. With the support of the International Baccalaureate Organization, this initiative aims to ensure that students develop a well-rounded understanding of the tourism business, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

In Pololikashvili’s words, the partnership with IB represents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the educational systems and the demands of the tourism industry. “Quality tourism education for all is key to supporting young people and allowing them to work and thrive in our sector,” he explains. By working with IB, UN Tourism aims to align the learning experiences provided to high school students with the evolving needs of the tourism business world.

Tourism’s Global Impact: Connecting Cultures, Communities, and Economies

Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director-General of IB, underscores the significance of this partnership by highlighting the critical role that education plays in shaping industries, particularly in a field as dynamic and diverse as tourism. According to Heinonen, tourism is a powerful force that connects people, fosters mutual understanding, and drives economic development across the globe. This partnership, he states, will offer students a deeper insight into how tourism brings together cultures, communities, and economies in a shared global framework.

Through this collaboration, IB and UN Tourism seek to broaden the horizons of young students, providing them with opportunities to learn real-world skills that will prepare them for careers in a rapidly growing industry. Heinonen believes that this initiative will not only benefit students but also contribute to the broader tourism sector by helping to cultivate a future workforce that is knowledgeable, responsible, and ready to address the challenges of the modern world.

Joint Exploration of Initiatives: Strengthening Capacity Building and Professional Development

One of the key elements of the collaboration between UN Tourism and IB is the joint exploration of initiatives that will enhance the skills and knowledge of young students. This will include the development of specialized programs aimed at improving tourism education, focusing on both hard skills—such as technical expertise—and soft skills like leadership, cultural awareness, and communication.

The initiative will also explore capacity-building efforts that empower educators to deliver high-quality tourism education at the high school level. This includes providing teachers with professional development opportunities to enhance their ability to teach the subject effectively, while also ensuring that the curriculum remains aligned with the latest industry trends and innovations.

Moreover, this partnership will promote ongoing dialogue between the two organizations to explore areas of mutual interest related to tourism education. This ensures that the initiatives remain relevant to the needs of both the tourism industry and the students entering the workforce.

A Win for Global Education: Shaping Tomorrow’s Tourism Professionals

The importance of international collaboration in education cannot be overstated. The partnership between UN Tourism and IB serves as a prime example of how organizations across borders can come together to tackle shared challenges. By leveraging the strengths of both organisations—UN Tourism’s extensive network and expertise in the global tourism sector and IB’s reputation for academic excellence—this initiative is poised to have a lasting impact on the future of tourism education.

As the tourism industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals will only increase. By ensuring that high school students receive a comprehensive and high-quality education in tourism, this partnership will create a pipeline of talent ready to step into the industry. This collaboration reflects a commitment to fostering an inclusive, forward-thinking tourism sector that benefits both students and the communities they will serve.

A Bright Future for Tourism Education

To summarise, the collaboration between UN Tourism and IB represents a significant milestone in the global effort to improve tourism education. By focusing on high school students, the collaboration ensures that the next generation of tourism professionals is well-prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. This partnership is laying the groundwork for a brighter future for tourism education through collaborative initiatives that improve skills, foster professional development, and encourage collaboration between the tourism industry and educational institutions.

This initiative promises to provide new educational opportunities for young people worldwide, allowing them to develop the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a globalised and rapidly changing tourism industry. With the help of UN Tourism and the IB, the next generation of tourism professionals will be better prepared to contribute to the growth and sustainability of one of the world’s most important industries.