A groundbreaking initiative led by Futouris e.V. and the Roundtable Human Rights in Tourism, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the private sector, has resulted in the creation of a free digital training on human rights due diligence in tourism. Developed in collaboration with leading tourism companies, associations, and organizations, the training raises awareness on human rights and sustainable business practices in tourism.
The newly developed digital training “Human Rights in Tourism” is targeted at direct suppliers in the tourism industry worldwide. It is relevant for anyone seeking to expand their knowledge and understanding of human rights standards and their responsibilities within tourism.
The training program includes four basic modules with a learning time of 2 to 2.5 hours, as well as an in-depth module. It offers practical insights into human rights due diligence, focusing on the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) and the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
In addition, it presents specific strategies, interactive elements and practice-oriented approaches for implementing human rights requirements in the corporate context.
The training is designed for mobile use, written in simple language and conveys complex topics through storytelling and practical examples. After successfully completing each module, participants receive an “Open Badge” that summarises the content learned, as well as a final certificate upon completion of the training series. The courses are available in English, Spanish and French on the learning platform atingi.org of the BMZ.
To ensure broad acceptance, the usability and practical applicability of the training was initially tested by suppliers of participating companies in selected destinations. The trial period provided valuable insights for optimising the training content and confirmed the practical relevance of the training.
A participant from Lithuania summarises her experiences:
„My key take-away from the training was the importance of proactively identifying and addressing human rights and environmental risks within our operations. Understanding the broader implications of our actions and how they impact various stakeholders has significantly shifted my perspective on our responsibilities.“
The industry initiative emphasizes the importance of human rights due diligence as a foundation for responsible tourism. The participating companies DERTOUR Group, TUI Group, TUI Cruises, Booking.com, Gebeco, Chamäleon, Studiosus Reisen, Hauser Exkursionen and FairAway Travel are integrating the developed training into their partner networks, thus promoting a broad application of the training content. Participation in the training is aimed to be established as an essential quality criterion for local partners, supporting sustainable collaboration with tourism companies.
The project is supported by forum anders reisen, the association for sustainable tourism, the German Travel Association (DRV) and ECPAT Germany, the working group for the protection of children from sexual exploitation. It was implemented as part of the Sector Dialogue on Tourism for Sustainable Development, with funding equally sharedbetween the participating tourism companies and the BMZ.
For further information about the training courses and the opportunity to participate, please visit atingi.org.
“Responsibility knows no borders. With our online training, we create a basis for human rights – wherever we work together in this world.”
Alicia Kern, Corporate Communications, Gebeco GmbH & Co. KG
„The training raises awareness of human rights and ethical practices in global supply chains, helps improve working conditions, and fosters a culture of respect, accountability, and sustainability. This is how tourism can be a force for good.”
Kathrin Möllers, Group Director Sustainability & ESG, TUI AG
„Children need our protection— also in tourism. Learn how to spot risks and take action with this new training. Let’s make the tourism sector safer for children.“
Antje Monshausen, Director, ECPAT Germany
“The training sessions reinforce our collaborative approach with partners, align with our corporate values, and highlight our long-standing dedication to promoting human rights in tourism.”
Tony Reyhanloo, Head of Corporate Sustainability, Studiosus Reisen
“By sharing our free online trainings, tourism companies can raise awareness of human rights topics in their own operations and among their business partners. Together we can strengthen the tourism industry’s commitment to human rights.”
Laura Steden, Director Corporate Responsibility, DERTOUR Group GmbH
„As an industry, working together to educate our partners on identifying and addressing potential human rights risks is crucial. These training courses set out practical guidance on how to conduct human rights due diligence, enabling travel and tourism partners of any size to help prevent abuse, protect potential victims, and safeguard businesses from criminal activity.“
Femi Thomas, Chief Compliance Officer, booking.com
“The developed training modules are the result of a unique collaboration within the tourism industry. The goal was to communicate the topic of human rights due diligence in a practical and target group-oriented manner. The complimentary training sessions benefit all companies and their international supply chains.“
Petra Thomas, Managing Director, forum anders reisen e.V.