Tourism Sustainability Manager
Tourism sustainability managers are responsible for planning, coordinating, overseeing, and evaluating the sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of hotel chains and other tourism organizations of varying scales. Individuals in this role typically operate at a senior leadership or executive level, often reporting to or advising C-suite executives on sustainability-related strategy, governance, policies, and performance.
Duties
- Develop and implement sustainability strategies, policies, and action plans that work with overall company goals and emissions reduction targets
- Set targets for water, energy use, waste, and emissions reduction across local, regional, and national chains
- Align company standards with internationally recognized sustainability certifications such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
- Track, analyze, and report on data on energy use, water, waste, and carbon emissions across local, regional, and national locations
- Conduct environmental performance audits to identify areas for performance improvement
- Prepare sustainability reports on company climate performance for internal teams and external stakeholders
- Work with staff and local tourism operators to align company sustainability measures and find ways to improve climate performance
- Support supply procurement of environmentally responsible and ethical goods and services
- Ensure operations are in compliance with environmental regulations, sustainability standards, and company policies
- Develop educational materials on climate protection and environmental sustainability topics within the tourism sector for staff and stakeholders
- Coordinate with governments, local communities, and Indigenous partners on how to improve the sustainability of operations
- Stay up to date on trends, new technologies, and best practices for measuring and improving sustainability in operations across the industry
Experience
This role requires extensive knowledge of sustainability practices and ESG principles to effectively assess organizational impacts, guide decision-making, and ensure alignment with corporate objectives and external standards. Tourism sustainability managers apply a multidisciplinary skill set that combines sustainability expertise, tourism and hospitality management, business strategy, and sustainability performance measurement and assurance. As a result, this role is both highly complex and impact driven, suited to professionals seeking to drive meaningful change within the tourism sector.
Education
In most cases, the minimum education to work as a tourism sustainability manager is a bachelor’s degree in a related field, followed by subsequent years of experience in the tourism sector. Pursuing a master’s or advanced professional degree is usually not required but can make you more competitive in job competitions. These advanced degrees show a commitment to professional standards and sustainability performance improvement in the sector.
Professional certification and licensing for a tourism sustainability manager establishes a recognized standard of competence and ethical practice in the tourism sector. It enhances credibility and career advancement opportunities and demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the field’s professional and ethical standards. Some helpful certifications for this occupation include:
- Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) offers training and certification programs for sustainable tourism professionals.
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an international symbol of sustainability excellence and green building leadership that offer professional credential programs.
- The Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (GHGMI) offers professional training programs for sustainability professionals looking to improve their carbon accounting skills.