The training is designed for people who work in travel "but aren’t sustainability experts" and sets out what sustainability means in travel and tourism, why it is important and what action can be taken.
The aim of the new initiative is to help increase knowledge and understanding across the sector of the sustainability agenda. It will also help agents identify the role they can play in developing a more sustainable industry.
The training covers the fundamentals of sustainability in travel, looking particularly at four areas: managing environmental issues; destination management and local impacts; respecting human rights and managing animal welfare.
The scheme is suitable for people in any role in travel, from marketing and communications to product and sales, across travel agents, tour operators and the wider industry.
Susan Deer, director of industry relations at Abta, said: "No matter what your job is in the travel industry – whether you work in customer service or product development, are a travel agent or tour operator – we all need to have an understanding of the industry’s sustainability agenda.
"To truly achieve a sustainable travel industry, sustainability needs to be integrated into all parts of the business and all employees aware of the issues and the action needed."
The training is found on the Abta Knowledge Zone and is free for members. Partners and non-members can purchase digital licenses to enable their employees to complete online training modules. The price for up to 10 users is £275 + VAT.
Any member completing the training between 14 July to 26 September 2022 will be entered into a prize draw to win a Patagonia classic MLC bag.
