Can Responsible Tourism Be Taught? Absolutely—Here’s How Destinations Can Cultivate Community Stewards
Responsible tourism isn't just a feel-good buzzword—it’s a powerful framework for building sustainable communities, protecting cultural and environmental assets, and ensuring tourism’s benefits are shared equitably. But here's the big question: Can responsible tourism be taught?
Yes. And it must be.
Responsible tourism isn’t instinctive for everyone—it requires intentional education, cultural sensitivity, and a systems-thinking approach that helps all stakeholders—from frontline staff to elected officials—understand their roles in the tourism ecosystem.
With training, community members can become passionate stewards of place. Without it, even well-meaning tourism growth can lead to overcrowding, inequity, and cultural dilution.
Empower everyone—from hotel staff to Uber drivers to elected officials—with flexible, online modules that meet them where they are. Learn Tourism, the nonprofit academy, delivers real-time, multilingual training experiences with options tailored to each destination’s unique assets and values.
➡ “There’s no way we could reach everyone in our community and build the support we need without online training.” —Frances Manzitto, Clarksville-Montgomery County CVB
Responsible tourism training works best when it’s rooted in local context. Think: examples of how over-tourism affects your region, tips on interacting with visitors respectfully, and practical do’s and don’ts that reflect your destination’s values.
➡ “I learned about Lexington’s horse farms, the economic impact of tourism, and that we contribute 12% of the state’s tourism revenue. That made me proud to be a local ambassador.” —Cindra Walker, Destination LEXpert Graduate
Help stakeholders understand how tourism supports everything from infrastructure and schools to small businesses and the arts. When people see the direct line between visitor spending and community benefits, they’re more likely to become allies.
➡ “Tourism has a ripple effect on every business and individual in Baltimore whether a resident, visitor or business professional.” —Eric Masterton, Visit Baltimore
Frontline professionals are often the first (and sometimes only) human contact visitors have. Equip them with more than talking points—give them stories, tools, and the “why” behind your destination's values. Confidence grows with knowledge.
➡ “I feel more confident now in welcoming visitors and sharing the Poconos story. The course made me feel like a true ambassador for my community.” —Genamarie Rosado, Poconos Ambassador Program
People remember stories more than stats. Share testimonials, success stories, and examples of community heroes making a difference. At Learn Tourism, every course features voices from the region—creating relevance and deeper emotional connection.
➡ “I discovered how much I didn’t know about my own city. It felt like a whole new world to me!” —Samantha Herring, Tourism Champions Graduate
Learn Tourism is redefining how destinations deliver responsible tourism training. From the Pocono Mountains to Western Montana, the nonprofit academy provides:
✅ Tailored content aligned with local culture, values, and goals
✅ Complete analytics and API integrations for easy tracking and reporting
✅ Multilingual delivery to ensure equity and access
✅ Community-first storytelling that turns passive learners into active stewards
As Richard Peterson from the U.S. Cultural & Heritage Marketing Council puts it, “[Learn Tourism] provides the platform to engage and connect seamlessly to DMO partners and their communities.”
If your goal is to foster sustainable tourism and develop lifelong advocates for your destination, the answer is clear: responsible tourism can be taught—and Learn Tourism is here to help you do it.
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.