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

Project activities

The following activities were implemented

• Basic research and compilation of available training materials on human rights due diligence in the supply chain (tourism sector / other sectors).

• Development of web-based e-learning in 3 languages (English, Spanish and French).

• Development of indicators and questionnaires to monitor the use and success of the training courses.

• Implementation of a test phase for the developed training formats with local partners.

• Development of communication materials for the developed training offer for use in the sector.

Project result: Free e-learning "Human Rights in Tourism

The developed training

• comprises 5 modules (4 basic modules + 1 in-depth module) with a total of 12 units and a total learning time of approx. 2.5 hours

• is available in English, Spanish and French

• is aimed at direct partners in destinations, such as employees of local tour operators, transport companies, etc.

• is focused on mobile use and designed with accessibility criteria in mind

• includes avatars as learning guides:inside, interactive elements as well as practical and relevant examples

• contains a mandatory final quiz after each module

Learners receive a so-called "Open Badge" after successfully completing each module, which contains detailed information on the knowledge and skills learned. In addition, a digital certificate is issued upon successful completion of all four basic modules and the in-depth module, which is recognized by all participating project companies.

Training content

• Importance of human rights due diligence in tourism

• Contents of relevant regulations such as the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) and the European Directive (CSDDD)

• Risk analysis of your own business activities with regard to human rights and the environment

• Steps for practical application in your own company

• In-depth module

  • Background information on human rights

  • Stakeholder engagement Engagement

  • Grievance mechanism

Background and problem description

According to the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), millions of people worldwide live in need, because minimum social standards such as the ban on forced and child labor or environmental protection aspects are disregarded. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) are the authoritative global framework for preventing and addressing the adverse impacts of business on human rights and represent a fundamental tool for tackling these major collective challenges.

Human rights due diligence in the tourism industry

Tourism is a key factor in many developing and emerging countries and can create jobs and strengthen local economic cycles. It can also contribute to the preservation of nature and culture and reduce inequalities. For this reason, tourism companies need due diligence strategies in order to promote human rights through their business activities and avoid human rights violations.

The Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) passed by the German government in January 2023 and the planned European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) will initially place obligations on large companies. The travel industry consists predominantly of small and medium-sized companies. The project also encourages these companies to take responsibility and implement concrete measures.

Tourism companies and associations join forces

The aim of the tourism companies involved in the project, DERTOUR Group, TUI Group, TUI Cruises, Booking.com, Gebeco, Chamäleon, Studiosus Reisen, Hauser Exkursionen and FairAway Travel, is to ensure that this training is widely accepted and used. For this reason, the training developed was tested in advance for practical applicability together with the partners in the destinations. They were supported by the association for sustainable tourism forum anders reisen, the German Travel Association (DRV) and ECPAT Germany, the working group for the protection of children from sexual exploitation.

The training is available to the industry free of charge on atingi.org, the digital learning platform of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and thus enables local partners of travel companies to gain an introduction to the topic of human rights due diligence.

The project was jointly managed by Futouris and the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism, a multi-stakeholder initiative that promotes the implementation of human rights due diligence by tourism companies.

The project was implemented under the umbrella of the sector dialog on tourism for sustainable development. The project was financed in equal parts by the tourism companies' own funds and by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).