The Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management program consists of 6 online courses which are offered a few times each year. You can take the courses in any order. Please visit the program website for more information.
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Each online course will offer participants the opportunity to improve their professional standing and deepen their comprehension of tourism’s potential to achieve environmental, socio-cultural and economic goals. The online program will provide participants with a strategic overview, along with practical applications for sustainable destination management. Coursework will feature presentations, reading, online mentoring, discussion boards, and guest lecturers.
Here is a brief outline of what is included in each course. Plan on spending approximately 10-12 hours on the course:
- Main lecture presented as a PowerPoint presentation by the course Instructor (1.5 hours)
- Reading the course manual and supplemental readings (4-6 hours)
- Two discussion board posts based on readings (1 hour)
- A guest lecture (1 hour)
- Final assignment (1-3 hours)
COURSES
The following courses are being offered in May 2026. Please click on the Courses/Instructors tab to view the course description and instructor bio.
Welcome & Program Introduction session (April 29, 2026)
Week 1: 701 Sustainable Tourism & Regenerative Travel (May 4 - 10, 2026)
Week 2: 702 Destination Management (May 11- 17, 2026)
Week 3: 703 Destination Marketing (May 18 - 24, 2026)
Course Fees: Each course is $495 individually. But courses may be purchased in a three-course bundle for a discounted rate of $1350. Please take a look at the Fees tab to get more details on early bird registration discounts.
Self-Paced Track: Conflicts with program dates or need to complete the certificate sooner? Participants now have the option to take the courses self-paced! Please contact destinations@gwu.edu for more details.
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Requirements for the Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management
To earn the certificate, you must complete all six courses in the program.
· 701: Sustainable Tourism & Regenerative Travel
· 702: Destination Management
· 703: Destination Marketing
· 704: Tourism Product Development
· 705: Destination Investment & Finance
· 706: Destination Stewardship Planning
ADMISSIONS
To be admitted to the Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management program, students must have completed the equivalent of a high school diploma. A bachelors degree is strongly recommended.
The Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management program is a non-degree program that provides continuing education credits (CEUs). Federally funded or other student loan programs or scholarships are not available, and the program is not eligible for deferment of such loans.
IMPORTANT POLICIES
Refund Policy
If a student withdraws from the Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management program thirty days or more before the start date, refund is 100% of tuition minus a $100 withdrawal fee. If a student withdraws from the program within fifteen days of the start date, no refund is granted. A student who withdraws between the thirty- and fifteen- day will either receive a full credit for a future session or a 50% refund.
Financial Obligation
All financial obligations to The George Washington University must be met to receive a certificatWelcome & Program Introduction sessio