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Collect your passport to a sustainable tomorrow in the tourism industry.

Explore the possibilities for a greener future and make your mark. The future of tourism is changing and it’s calling for bright, curious minds with the right set of skills to strengthen sector resiliency and mitigate the effects of climate change. If you aspire to connect your career with sustainable practices, you’re in the right destination. Together, let’s venture towards a greener tomorrow.

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Program description

With extreme weather events occurring more and more frequently, and ambitious new targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there is a growing need for worldwide climate change adaptation. Through flexible online learning, the Micro-certificate in Tourism Sustainability is designed to foster an understanding of sustainability and enhance the skills of individuals currently employed or seeking a career in the tourism sector.

Dive into the fundamentals of greenhouse gas emissions reduction, climate change mitigation and adaptation within a tourism context, and apply global frameworks in your own workplace. Geared towards professionals with a global mindset, our program positions you to help strengthen the resiliency of the tourism sector, conserve our natural environment and empower the industry to take the necessary steps for climate adaptation.

Program highlights


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Online Flexibility
This program is delivered online, allowing you to work independently within deadlines set by your instructor. With this format, you don't have to worry about travel or scheduling conflicts while you study. You can work at your own pace, on your own schedule and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

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Credibility
The University of Victoria is one of Canada's leading universities, recognized for preparing students for careers in a wide range of disciplines. Upon successful completion of this program you will receive a micro-credential.

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Short-term
This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve your professional goals in just six weeks.

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Teaching Talent
Our instructors are industry professionals with years of experience. They’re dedicated to helping you develop the knowledge and skills to realize your full potential.

UNITAR-CIFAL certification

CIFAL Victoria

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View current UNITAR-CIFAL courses and programs.

Program outcomes

Learners who complete the Tourism Sustainability micro-certificate will be able to:

  • Explain travel and tourism’s contribution to climate change as well as the ways climate change is impacting the sector
  • Identify appropriate climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies within a tourism context
  • Apply a climate lens to an organization of your choice
  • Identify high-impact emissions reduction strategies and set reduction targets
  • Develop a climate action plan for an organization of your choice

Who is this program for?

This short, online course welcomes learners in British Columbia and beyond who are currently employed, or seeking a career, in the tourism sector. Those interested in the program may be involved in middle management, operations, leadership teams, or as new employees who are interested in building sustainability competencies.

If you see yourself reflected in any of the following, this program could be a good match:

  • you are in a mid-level career working in the tourism sector or aspire to enter the field
  • you are seeking specialization in sustainability within the tourism sector
  • you have diverse educational backgrounds (including degrees in hospitality, environmental science, business or related fields) and want to align your career with your commitment to environmental causes
  • you value continuous learning and skill enhancement to advance your career
  • you are open to new perspectives and interested in the interconnectedness of tourism and sustainability on a global scale
  • you are motivated to make a positive impact within your organization, the tourism industry and the environment

Career options

Some of our learners pursue careers in the following roles:
  • Operations
  • Marketing
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Human Resources
  • Policy

Application and fees

Admission requirements

This program warmly welcomes individuals with diverse academic backgrounds, work experiences and personal journeys. However, all applicants are expected to:

  • approach participation with respect, openness and a willingness to explore new perspectives
  • ensure they can complete all assignments and contribute meaningfully to all discussions by drawing on their experiences
  • demonstrate proficiency in English, encompassing both written and verbal communication skills
  • ensure regular access to a computer with a reliable internet connection

Note: this non-credit micro-credential does not necessitate admission to the University of Victoria.

How to apply

No application is necessary, simply select the course required for the micro-certificate and register for it independently. When registering, you will be charged a $20 Micro-certificate fee.

Once you have completed your course, your certificate will be sent to you electronically.  Certificates are sent approximately one month after the completion of the course.

Note: We are unable to retroactively issue a micro-certificate. Students must purchase the $20 program fee prior to the last day of the last course in the program.

Registration details

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Info you should know:

Continuing Studies statement on use of educational technology

This course will require the use of Zoom and may use other education technology such as internet-based applications, cloud services, or social media. In order to complete this course you will be required to either consent to the disclosure of your personal information outside of Canada to enable use of these technologies, or work with the Division of Continuing Studies to explore other privacy protective options (such as using an alias or nickname).

RELATED TOPICS: Sustainability