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.
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
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.
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.
Short-term This program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve your professional goals in just six weeks.
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.
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
Testimonials
Sustainability is completely intertwined with tourism in our current and future economy. I believe people will gain a competitive edge in the industry with a micro-certificate in Tourism Sustainability.
Brian Cant
President, 4TVI, part of the 4VI Social Enterprise Group
A career in tourism has changed. It is no longer enough to hold a position in the industry. Tourism professionals must embrace the urgency in transforming tourism into a thriving, dynamic, regenerative industry. A micro-certificate in this space provides a pathway for visualizing and collaborating toward this transformation.
Christian Van Buskirk
Associate Teaching Professor, UVic's Gustavon School of Business, Advisory Board Member - Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation
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.
A full course refund will only be provided if you withdraw from the course prior to the course start date. A refund, less a $0 administrative fee, will be issued if you withdraw within 0 calendar days after the official course start date. Depending on your method of payment, a refund will be either mailed to you or credited to your credit card.
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).
