Tourexpi
UN Tourism and International Baccalaureate Join Forces on Tourism Education
UN Tourism and the International Baccalaureate
Organization (IB) have entered into a new partnership designed to strengthen
tourism education at high school level. A Memorandum of Understanding signed by
both organisations sets out a framework for closer cooperation, with the shared
goal of improving access to relevant skills and knowledge for young people
interested in careers in tourism.
Strengthening skills for a growing sector
The agreement focuses on joint initiatives to enhance
the quality and reach of tourism education in schools. Central to the
collaboration is the development of skills and competencies that align with the
needs of the tourism sector, as well as capacity building and professional
development opportunities for young learners. The partnership also establishes
an ongoing dialogue to identify further areas of mutual interest at the
intersection of education and tourism.
UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili
underlined the importance of the initiative, stating: “Quality tourism
education for all is key to supporting young people and allowing them to work
and thrive in our sector. With the International Baccalaureate Organization, we
will work to allow high school level students develop the skills and knowledge
that tourism businesses are looking for.”
Education and tourism as global connectors
From the IB perspective, the partnership reflects the
close relationship between education, economic development and global
responsibility. IB Director General Olli-Pekka Heinonen said: “Education plays
a critical role in shaping industries, connecting people, and fostering
responsibility in a shared global economy, while tourism brings cultures,
economies, and communities together. This partnership with UN Tourism will help
the IB expand opportunities for young people to develop real-world skills in a rapidly
growing sector.”
By linking global education standards with the
evolving needs of tourism, the collaboration aims to prepare the next
generation for meaningful and sustainable careers in one of the world’s most
interconnected industries.
Image
Credit: © UN Tourism
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