Professional Development for Sustainable Tourism Leaders
We've spent years working with people who care about the planet but weren't sure how to turn that passion into a career. Our program connects environmental science with tourism management in ways that actually make sense for today's job market.
Starting July 2026, we're opening up a comprehensive learning track designed for people who want to work in sustainable travel—whether you're switching careers or just starting out. The curriculum focuses on practical skills that employers are actively looking for right now.
Explore Prerequisites
Your Learning Path
We break down complex sustainability concepts into manageable chunks. Each phase builds on the previous one, so you're never lost or overwhelmed. This isn't about memorizing theories—it's about understanding how eco-tourism actually works in practice.
Foundation Period
The first twelve weeks cover environmental principles and tourism fundamentals. You'll learn about ecosystem management, carbon footprint calculation, and how sustainable businesses actually operate. We also introduce you to certification systems that matter in the industry.
- Environmental impact assessment methods
- Sustainable business model frameworks
- Conservation tourism basics
- Community engagement strategies
- Industry certifications overview
Applied Practice
During weeks 13-28, you'll work on real-world scenarios. We partner with eco-lodges and conservation organizations that share actual challenges they're facing. You'll develop solutions, create marketing strategies, and learn destination management from people currently doing this work.
- Eco-lodge operations and management
- Sustainable marketing approaches
- Wildlife tourism protocols
- Visitor education program design
- Stakeholder collaboration techniques
Specialization Track
The final sixteen weeks let you focus on what interests you most. Choose between destination management, conservation program coordination, or sustainable hospitality operations. You'll complete a capstone project that becomes part of your professional portfolio.
- Advanced specialty coursework
- Industry mentorship pairing
- Portfolio development guidance
- Career pathway planning
- Professional network building
Program Schedule & Commitment
Session Format
Live online sessions meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9 PM EST. Weekend workshops happen once monthly. All sessions are recorded, so you can review material or catch up if life gets in the way.
Time Investment
Expect to dedicate 12-15 hours weekly between live sessions, independent study, and project work. We've designed the schedule around people who work full-time, because that's most of our students.
Start Dates Available
Our next cohort begins July 14, 2026. We also have a fall session starting October 5, 2026. Class sizes stay small—typically 18-22 students—so everyone gets meaningful attention from instructors.
Materials Provided
You'll receive digital course materials, access to industry research databases, and templates used by actual sustainable tourism businesses. No textbook purchases required—everything is included in your enrollment.
Learn from Active Practitioners
Our instructors aren't just teachers—they're currently working in sustainable tourism. They bring recent experiences, industry connections, and honest perspectives about what works and what doesn't in this field. You'll learn from people who understand both the ideals and the practical realities.
Conservation
Jasper Lundqvist
Conservation Tourism Specialist
Jasper spent eight years managing wildlife tourism programs in Costa Rica and Tanzania. He teaches the conservation module and shares real challenges he's faced balancing visitor access with habitat protection.
Operations
Sienna Voclain
Sustainable Operations Director
Sienna runs operations for a certified eco-lodge network in the Pacific Northwest. She covers everything from waste management systems to staff training programs that actually stick.
Strategy
Kalista Breckenridge
Destination Strategy Consultant
Kalista works with municipalities developing sustainable tourism plans. She teaches destination management and brings case studies from communities she's currently advising.
Community
Meridith Oaksworth
Community Engagement Coordinator
Meridith specializes in building partnerships between tourism businesses and local communities. She leads the stakeholder collaboration module and facilitates our monthly guest speaker series.