The Sustainable Tourism Academy, a joint initiative by digital travel platform Agoda and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), has been launched to provide free digital training focused on sustainability in the hospitality industry.
The platform is set to meet increasing demand for sustainable accommodation by equipping hoteliers with the necessary tools and insights.
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The Academy offers a range of learning materials including exercises, case studies and assessments, tailored to address the sustainability challenges unique to Asia.
The content is designed to help hospitality professionals attract guests who prioritise sustainability, and create effective sustainability strategies.
The platform is accessible in multiple South East Asian languages such as Vietnamese, Malay, Thai and Indonesian, as well as English, ensuring it reaches a wide audience.
Participants can progress through the training modules at their own pace, which is particularly beneficial for those with demanding schedules.
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By GlobalDataOnce completed, they are awarded a certificate from the GSTC and Agoda, recognising their understanding of sustainable practices.
Agoda chief commercial officer Damien Pfirsch said: “Through the Sustainable Tourism Academy, Agoda and GSTC are equipping hoteliers to drive meaningful change within the industry.
“Agoda is committed to scaling up this initiative, and by offering this platform free of charge, we are making sustainability education accessible, practical and impactful for everyone in the Asian hospitality sector, from kitchen staff to general managers.”
The training is based on the GSTC Standard, which is a globally recognised benchmark for sustainability in travel and tourism.
The modules cover various critical aspects including sustainable management and environmental impacts.
The content is the result of a collaboration between Agoda’s sustainability team and GSTC trainers such as GSTC vice-chair CB Ramkumar, Wise Steps Consulting CEO Mochamad Nalendra and Destination Mekong CEO Catherine Germier-Hamel, combining expertise and practical insights.
GSTC CEO Randy Durband said: “By providing free access to practical, localised sustainability training, GSTC and Agoda are empowering hoteliers to take meaningful steps towards a more sustainable future.
“This initiative reflects our shared commitment to making sustainability not just an aspiration but a standard practice across the region.”
In related news, last month saw Agoda enter into a strategic collaboration with hospitality operator the Indian Hotels Company.
