With the launch of the specialisation modules for “Sustainability Manager for Tourism Destinations”, the EU project WeNaTour – Welfare, Nature and Innovation in Tourism – marks a milestone in education for sustainable tourism. As a project partner, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems (IMC Krems) contributes its expertise in destination management, sustainability and health, thereby strengthening Austria’s role within this European network.
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WeNaTour launches specialisation modules for sustainable tourism
The specialisation module is the first of its kind to train professionals who will support destinations on their path towards greater sustainability, inclusion and resilience. Following a 150-hour online course, which was recognised with ECTS credits across Europe and attracted hundreds of students and professionals, 20 selected participants from ten countries received an Erasmus+ mobility grant. They are now taking part in a two-week excursion to the Weissensee region in Austria and Valsugana in Italy – featuring engaging workshops, seminars and site visits. These provide concrete insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable tourism and demonstrate how nature-based resources can be harnessed to promote health and well-being.
IMC Krems as a partner for the future of tourism
IMC Krems is one of twelve partner institutions from five European countries jointly implementing the WeNaTour project. The university is helping to develop new skills and innovative educational approaches for the tourism system.
“With WeNaTour, a new professional profile is being created – one we urgently need: experts who combine sustainability, management and innovation, and who can prepare destinations for the future. For our university, this partnership means actively shaping international developments while offering our students access to a unique European network,” emphasises Claudia Bauer-Krösbacher, Head of Institute, Programme Director and Project Leader at IMC Krems.
A European network for sustainable tourism
Coordinated by the University of Padua, the WeNaTour project addresses key challenges facing the system: the climate crisis, overtourism, the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, and the use of nature-based resources. Its aim is to support the industry in its transition to a regenerative tourism model through the newly defined professional role of “Sustainability Manager for Tourism Destinations”.
Alongside IMC Krems, the consortium includes Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, the Austrian Research Centre for Forests, and partners from Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands and Romania.
WeNaTour in numbers
• 12 partner institutions from 5 European countries
• 20 international scholarship holders for the specialisation phase
• 2 host destinations: NLW Tourismus Marketing GmbH (Austria) and Azienda per il Turismo Valsugana – Lagorai (Italy)
About WeNaTour
WeNaTour is a European initiative funded through the Erasmus+ programme. Its aim is to equip students and professionals with the skills needed to shape the future of sustainable tourism. Through a flexible online learning programme, hands-on mobility experiences and expert networks, WeNaTour offers high-quality, multidisciplinary training designed to help participants succeed in the dynamic tourism system.
Are you interested in sustainable tourism? Take part to the WeNaTour Alliance: the unique network of experts and innovators in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management, green care tourism, and corporate welfare