Industry-wide e-learning on human rights due diligence in tourism

Practical and mobile: the content of the digital training course

The new digital training course "Human Rights in Tourism" is aimed at direct partners in the tourism industry worldwide and is relevant for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of human rights standards and their responsibility in the tourism sector.

The training program comprises four basic modules with a learning time of 2 to 2.5 hours as well as an in-depth module. It offers practical insights into human rights due diligence and relevant regulations, including the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) and the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). In addition, concrete strategies, interactive elements and practice-oriented approaches for implementing human rights requirements in the corporate context are taught.

The training is designed for mobile use, written in simple language and conveys complex topics through storytelling and practical examples. Upon successful completion of each module, participants receive an "Open Badge" as proof of the content learned, as well as a final certificate upon completion of the training series. The courses are available free of charge in three languages, English, Spanish and French, on the learning platform atingi.org of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

Successfully tested: Feedback and insights from the field

In order to ensure broad acceptance, use and practical applicability of the training, the training program was tested and optimized together with participants from partner companies around the world in selected destinations. The test phase provided valuable insights for optimizing the training content and confirmed the practical relevance of the training.

A participant from Lithuania summarizes her experience:

"My most important impression from the training was how important it is to proactively identify and address human rights and environmental risks in our operations. Understanding the far-reaching effects of our actions and their impact on various stakeholders has significantly changed my view of our responsibility."

A common goal: strengthening human rights in tourism

The industry initiative underlines the importance of human rights due diligence as the basis for responsible tourism. The participating companies DERTOUR Group, TUI Group, TUI Cruises, Booking.com, Gebeco, Chamäleon, Studiosus Reisen, Hauser Exkursionen and FairAway Travel integrate the developed training into their partner networks and thus promote a broad application of the training content. Participation in the training courses is to be established as a key quality criterion for local partners and support sustainable cooperation.

The project receives expert support from forum anders reisen, the association for sustainable tourism, the German Travel Association (DRV) and ECPAT Germany, the working group for the protection of children from sexual exploitation. The project was implemented as part of the Tourism for Sustainable Development sector dialogue and is financed in equal parts by the participating tourism companies and the BMZ.

Further information on the training courses and how to participate can be found at atingi.org.

Voices from the industry

"Responsibility knows no borders. With our online training, we create a basis for human rights - wherever we work together worldwide.

Alicia Kern, Corporate Communications, Gebeco GmbH & Co. KG

"The training raises awareness of human rights and ethical practices in global supply chains, helps to improve working conditions and promotes a culture of respect, responsibility and sustainability. This is how tourism can have a positive impact."

Kathrin Möllers, Group Director Sustainability & ESG, TUI AG

"Children need our protection - also in tourism. Learn to recognize risks and take action with this new training. Let's make the tourism sector safer for children!"

Antje Monshausen, Director, ECPAT Germany

"The trainings strengthen the cooperation with our partners, are in line with our corporate values and underline our long-standing commitment to the promotion of human rights in tourism."

Tony Reyhanloo, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Studiosus Reisen

"Through our free online training courses, tourism companies can raise awareness of human rights issues in their own operations and among their business partners. Together, we can strengthen the tourism industry's commitment to human rights."

Laura Steden, Director Corporate Responsibility, DERTOUR Group GmbH

"As an industry, it is vital that we work together to train our partners to identify and address potential human rights risks. These trainings provide practical guidance on how to conduct human rights due diligence and enable travel and tourism partners of all sizes to prevent abuse, protect potential victims and safeguard businesses from criminal activity."

Femi Thomas, Chief Compliance Officer, booking.com

"The training modules developed are the result of a unique collaboration in the tourism industry. The aim was to convey the topic of human rights due diligence in a practical and target group-oriented way. The free training courses benefit all companies and their international supply chains."

Petra Thomas, Managing Director, forum anders reisen e.V.