The partnership between UN Tourism and the International Baccalaureate (IB) marks an important step in modernizing tourism education at the secondary school level. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both organizations are working together to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the evolving demands of the global tourism market.
Through this collaboration, the focus is on aligning education with the real-world needs of the tourism industry, with an emphasis on youth and future-ready skills. The initiative will explore joint efforts that not only increase student knowledge in tourism but also equip them with the professional competencies required to thrive in the sector.
Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, stresses that a strong foundation in tourism education is vital for young people to succeed in this dynamic industry. He emphasizes, “Together with the IB, we will empower high school students to acquire the skills and expertise sought by tourism businesses worldwide.”
Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director-General of the IB, also points to the role education plays in connecting people, economies, and industries across the globe. “Tourism brings together cultures and communities. Our collaboration with UN Tourism opens up new opportunities for students to gain practical, in-demand skills in an expanding field,” he notes.
This partnership underscores the urgent need for greater investment in tourism education from early educational stages. It will help cultivate a new generation of professionals, better prepared for the challenges and growth of the global tourism industry, as it continues to evolve with new demands and opportunities.
