Responsible Tourism Certificate Course

Overview
Responsible Tourism Certificate Course is a six-month comprehensive overview course on eco-friendly and sustainable tourism. Learners will be instructed in the development of responsible and sustainable tourism practices and enterprises in and around the Himalayan and Trans-Himalayan regions. They will learn to tackle the problems that arise from mass tourism and receive guidance in inclusive tourism–bringing the tourism economy to rural areas that are remote and haven’t benefited from the travel economy yet.

The primary aim of this course is to understand the negative impacts of the conventional tourism industry and bring about changes through sustainable, responsible, innovative solutions. The course is designed to give a clear insight into the consequences of tourism planning and policymaking on the environment, society, culture, and the economy. During the program, we offer students both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Who is it for?
It is designed for individuals interested in tourism business start-ups in remote/rural areas, and government or academic professionals interested in or already working in the field of tourism. 

Modules

• Critique of tourism as a business and its impact on communities & environment
• Hospitality Management–Homestays
• Online Marketing & Building Experiences
• Restrepreneurship
• Event Management & Logistics
• Travel Agency Management
• Business Planning

 Learning Outcomes

• Understanding the nature of responsible and eco-tourism.
• Set up & run farm stays/homestays.
• Plan and conduct eco-friendly tours.
• Sensitivity towards local communities and environmental impact of travel economy.

 Pedagogy
The students will receive hands-on experiential learning through working on the Live Labs set up by HIAL. This includes setting up and operating farm stays, designing and conducting eco-friendly itineraries & treks, setting up and running the mountaineering Institute, and so on. Cultural and educational events will be organized during the course, which will encourage the students to curate and conduct. Upon completing this course, learners will be ready to start rural tourism projects in their mountain regions and places of interest.
The lecture and field trips are mandatory for all the participants enrolled.

Stipend
HIAL does not charge students for professional fees. Instead, we offer students a chance of earning a stipend in exchange for the value they create as part of the course.
Stipend: INR 7,000/ month