Tourism’s landscape is changing faster than ever, and in 2025, expectations for online training are sky-high. Stakeholders—from DMO staff and residents to community business partners and meeting/travel professionals—are demanding training experiences that are as dynamic and meaningful as the industry itself.
Today’s DMO professionals, residents, and business partners are no longer satisfied with one-size-fits-all training. They want customized, role-specific content that connects learning directly to their day-to-day reality—be it sharing the latest restaurant openings, knowing how to greet diverse visitors, or understanding the economic impact of tourism in their backyard.
Stakeholders expect their training to reflect local culture, current events, and the real-world scenarios they’ll face, including tools and resources that make them true champions for their destinations. For example, front-line professionals now seek deeper knowledge about accessibility, diverse activities, and sustainability—because they know today’s visitors care about those things too.
In 2025, tourism training must be accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Busy professionals and volunteers are juggling more responsibilities than ever. They expect on-demand modules that allow them to learn at their own pace, whether they’re at a hotel front desk, a visitor center, or on their smartphone between meetings.
This shift is supported by adult learning statistics: “94% of employees say they would stay at a company longer if it invested in their learning and development,” according to LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report. Flexible online training isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a retention and engagement strategy for the entire tourism workforce.
Modern learners expect training that is more than a passive slideshow. Gamification, scenario-based learning, quizzes, and real-world challenges keep them engaged and reinforce learning. Stakeholders have voiced appreciation for interactive elements—like trivia, video tours, and storytelling modules—that make knowledge memorable and actionable.
They also want opportunities to test their skills and immediately apply what they learn to visitor interactions. As one recent participant said, “It would be great to see a fun trivia section added to make it even more interactive!”
Stakeholders want to see their progress in real time, track completion, and get instant feedback. DMO leaders and community partners look for robust analytics: Who is engaged? What knowledge gaps remain? How has training influenced guest experience or local business performance?
This emphasis on measurable impact aligns with best practices in professional development: “Effective instructional design uses feedback loops, data, and continuous improvement to keep learning aligned with business goals,” says the Association for Talent Development.
Generic training is out. DMO staff, residents, and business owners want courses that highlight their unique community identity, feature local experts, and celebrate what makes their destination special. From self-guided mural tours in Lexington to trivia about the Poconos, learners value content rooted in authentic experiences and local pride.
Modern training must ensure everyone—regardless of background, ability, or role—feels welcome and empowered to succeed. This includes closed captions, multilingual options, accessible design, and diverse examples. Community partners are calling for “more information about accessibility resources and businesses offering accessibility services,” showing that inclusion is now a baseline expectation.
Today’s learners want to know what’s in it for them—immediately. Training needs to provide practical tools, easy-to-find resources, and guides that support their daily work. DMO partners expect downloadable checklists, maps, and resource guides they can use on the job or share with visitors.
And support doesn’t end at course completion. Stakeholders appreciate ongoing updates, opportunities for further learning, and direct lines to trainers or local experts for troubleshooting and community building.
Above all, training in 2025 is about empowerment. Participants want to finish a course feeling more confident, knowledgeable, and inspired to play an active role in their community’s tourism success. They expect training to connect them to a broader mission—building sustainable economies, enhancing visitor experiences, and fostering pride in place.
One DMO partner said it best: “Online training is common sense… It’s the only way we can reach everyone in our community and build the support we need to continue marketing ourselves as a prized destination.”
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.