UN Tourism has launched a new Digital Course on Hospitality delivered via WhatsApp, an innovative training initiative designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) working in the tourism and hospitality sector. The programme, first introduced in Spain, represents a major step forward in making digital education more accessible and practical for industry workers.
Developed in partnership with Fundación Mahou San Miguel, the course leverages the organization’s extensive experience in Spain’s hospitality and horeca sector. Registration is currently open, with an initial 2,000 fully subsidised places available to residents in Spain to encourage wide participation across the industry.
Flexible Learning Through WhatsApp for Easy Access
The course is delivered entirely through WhatsApp, offering a flexible and user-friendly learning experience tailored for individuals with limited time or those who prefer mobile-based education. This format is designed to remove barriers to training and allow participants to learn through a platform they already use daily.
Participants who successfully complete all modules will receive a joint certification from UN Tourism and Fundación Mahou San Miguel, strengthening their professional credentials in the hospitality sector.
Practical Modules Focus on Industry-Relevant Skills
The programme includes short, structured lessons covering essential areas such as:
- Day-to-day hospitality management
- Digital marketing strategies
- Customer loyalty and service improvement
- Sustainability in tourism operations
- Promotion of local products and experiences
The training is designed not only for managers but also for employees and entrepreneurs, with a focus on improving operational efficiency and encouraging innovation in service delivery.
Strengthening Sustainability and Local Tourism Ecosystems
A key objective of the initiative is to promote sustainable practices and enhance the visibility of local products within the hospitality industry. By integrating sustainability and innovation into training, the course aims to support stronger and more resilient tourism ecosystems. The programme also encourages participants to improve customer experiences while contributing to the development of local tourism economies.
UN Tourism Highlights Innovation in Education
Speaking about the initiative, Shaikha Al Nuwais, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, emphasized the importance of accessible and practical learning tools in today’s tourism industry. She stated that innovation in education is essential to address current challenges in tourism, describing the WhatsApp-based course as a “game changer” in skills development. According to her, delivering training through widely used digital platforms enables immediate and applicable learning that strengthens local tourism ecosystems and improves visitor experiences.
The WhatsApp-based hospitality course reflects a growing shift toward digital, accessible, and skill-focused training in the global tourism industry. By combining practical learning modules with widely available technology, UN Tourism aims to empower hospitality professionals and strengthen the sector’s long-term sustainability.
