UN Tourism and IB Work Together to Provide Quality Tourism Education for High School Students

Published on December 14, 2025

In an effort to foster a new generation of tourism professionals, UN Tourism has partnered with the International Baccalaureate (IB) to expand tourism education at the high school level. This strategic collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to increase access to quality tourism education for students around the globe, equipping them with the essential skills needed in the rapidly evolving tourism sector.

The partnership will focus on developing a series of initiatives designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of young students interested in the tourism industry. By working together, both organisations will help to ensure that students gain a comprehensive understanding of tourism and its global impact, as well as the professional competencies that employers in the tourism sector are seeking.

Building Future Tourism Leaders

The partnership between UN Tourism and IB is a major step forward in providing young learners with the opportunity to build real-world skills in tourism. The focus will be on creating engaging educational pathways that help high school students develop a deep understanding of the tourism industry. These initiatives aim to ensure that students are well-prepared to join the workforce, whether through careers in hospitality, travel management, or sustainable tourism practices.

A key aspect of the collaboration will be enhancing the capacity of both organisations to build educational frameworks that align with the latest trends and demands in the tourism sector. This includes providing opportunities for students to gain professional development and insight into the diverse aspects of tourism, from sustainable practices to the growing role of digital technologies.

Tourism Education for Global Development

UN Tourism’s Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, has emphasised the importance of high-quality education in tourism. According to him, the goal is not only to equip young people with the skills required to thrive in the industry but also to create a pipeline of professionals who are equipped to manage tourism sustainably. The focus is on ensuring that future leaders in tourism understand their role in fostering sustainable tourism, which is crucial to the long-term success of the sector.

IB Director-General Olli-Pekka Heinonen highlighted the importance of education in shaping industries and economies, noting that tourism plays a vital role in connecting people, cultures, and economies. This collaboration allows the IB to integrate tourism education into its high school curriculum, offering students a well-rounded education that prepares them for both academic achievement and real-world professional opportunities.

Improving Access to Tourism Education Worldwide

This initiative addresses the growing need for skilled professionals in the tourism sector, a rapidly expanding industry that accounts for a significant portion of global employment. By providing high school students with the tools they need to succeed in the tourism industry, the partnership between UN Tourism and IB helps to ensure that future generations are ready to meet the demands of a global, interconnected economy.

The move to bring tourism education into high schools also offers the potential to inspire more young people to consider careers in the sector. With tourism’s role in shaping economies and communities around the world, this collaboration will offer students the chance to develop their skills and contribute to the growth of the industry.

Preparing Students for the Future of Tourism

In conclusion, the collaboration between UN Tourism and the International Baccalaureate marks a major milestone in improving tourism education globally. By offering high school students the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the tourism sector, this initiative plays a crucial role in ensuring that the next generation of tourism professionals is well-prepared to thrive in an ever-changing global environment. This partnership will not only enhance the skills of young people but also contribute to the sustainable growth of the tourism industry worldwide.