What Can You Do With a Sustainable Tourism Degree?

By Robert Palmer

If you are passionate about sustainability and tourism, then a degree in sustainable tourism may be the perfect fit for you. But what exactly can you do with a sustainable tourism degree? Let’s explore some of the exciting career opportunities that are available in this field.

1. Sustainable Tourism Consultant

As a sustainable tourism consultant, you will work with businesses and organizations to develop and implement sustainable tourism practices. This may involve assessing their current environmental impact, creating sustainability plans, and training staff on best practices for reducing waste and promoting conservation efforts. With a sustainable tourism degree, you will have the knowledge and skills needed to help tourism businesses become more environmentally responsible.

2. Ecotourism Guide

Ecotourism is a rapidly growing industry that focuses on environmentally responsible travel to natural areas. As an ecotourism guide, you will lead groups on outdoor adventures such as hiking, kayaking, or wildlife watching while educating them about environmental conservation efforts. A degree in sustainable tourism can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure that your tours are both enjoyable for tourists and respectful of the natural environment.

3. Sustainability Coordinator

Many organizations, including hotels, resorts, and tour operators, have begun to prioritize sustainability as part of their overall business strategy. As a sustainability coordinator, you will work within these organizations to develop programs that reduce waste, conserve energy and water resources, and promote responsible tourism practices. A degree in sustainable tourism can prepare you for this role by providing an understanding of the various sustainability initiatives that exist within the industry.

4. Green Hotel Manager

Green hotels are becoming increasingly popular among travelers who want to minimize their environmental impact while traveling. As a green hotel manager, your job will be to oversee all aspects of the hotel’s operations with an eye toward reducing its carbon footprint.

This may include implementing energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, reducing water usage, and sourcing local and organic food products. With a degree in sustainable tourism, you will have the skills needed to manage the complex environmental and social issues involved in running a sustainable hotel.

5. Environmental Educator

As an environmental educator, you will work to educate the public about environmental issues and promote sustainability practices. This may involve developing educational programs for schools or leading guided tours of natural areas. With a degree in sustainable tourism, you will have the knowledge needed to develop engaging and informative educational materials that inspire people to become more environmentally conscious.

In Conclusion

A degree in sustainable tourism can open up a world of exciting career opportunities for those who are passionate about protecting the environment while promoting responsible travel practices. Whether you choose to work as a consultant, guide, coordinator, manager, or educator, your expertise in sustainability will be highly valued by employers within the tourism industry. So if you’re looking for a career that allows you to make a positive impact on the environment while pursuing your passion for travel and hospitality, then consider pursuing a degree in sustainable tourism today.