Smart, effective, and efficient tourism education is essential, but accessibility is non-negotiable.
Destination marketing organizations, state associations, and tourism bureaus worldwide are investing in workforce training and certification programs to elevate visitor experiences and build stronger communities. Yet many fail to ask a critical question: Are these trainings truly accessible to everyone?
We’re not just talking about a working hyperlink or whether content is hosted online. Accessibility means ensuring that everyone, from a part-time shuttle driver in Juneau to a multilingual concierge in Biloxi, can learn, grow, and earn credentials on equal footing.
At Learn Tourism, we believe accessibility means:
Training should meet people where they are — literally. That means courses that function just as well on a smartphone as they do on a desktop. If your certification program can’t run smoothly on a mobile device, it’s not truly accessible.
Tourism is one of the most diverse sectors in the world. Why, then, is so much training still offered only in English? Courses should be available in multiple languages and dialects, with the ability to switch seamlessly based on the learner’s preference.
The hospitality and tourism workforce doesn’t work 9 to 5. Your program should allow learners to start, pause, and resume courses on their schedule — whether that’s at 2 p.m. or 2 a.m.
True accessibility considers neurodiversity, vision impairment, hearing differences, and other cognitive or physical needs. Features like screen reader compatibility, captioned videos, and adaptable pacing aren’t add-ons — they’re essentials.
Leaders need real-time insight into who’s learning, who’s falling behind, and which topics are resonating. Accessibility also means transparency and responsiveness for administrators.
If your certification program is still stuck in PDF or print form, or requires a third party to make changes, you’re already behind. Today’s learning platforms must be nimble, editable, and able to evolve with the destination.
When we ask, “Is your training accessible?” What we really mean is, “Is it equitable?” “Is it inclusive?” “Is it empowering?”
Accessible education builds pride, confidence, and capability — from the welcome desk to the back-of-house to the boardroom. It allows our industry to grow sustainably and ensures that no one is left out of the opportunity to lead, serve, and thrive.
If you’re ready to examine your current training offerings and explore what real accessibility could mean for your team, we’d love to talk.
Let’s make education work for everyone — because that’s what tourism deserves.
About Learn Tourism the nonprofit academy...
Learn Tourism is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the tourism industry through innovative educational practices and professional development initiatives. Our mission is to harness the power of science, business psychology, and adult education to build sustainable economies and enrich the tourism landscape.