UN Tourism launches two free online courses to support sustainable, inclusive, and community-led rural tourism development worldwide.
UN Tourism has launched two new online courses under its Tourism for Rural Development Programme, aimed at empowering communities and professionals engaged in rural tourism. The free courses, available in English and Spanish, focus on “Product Development and Marketing for Rural Areas” and “Design Thinking for Rural Tourism Development.”
Designed to be practical, accessible, and user-friendly, the MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) provide participants with the tools and knowledge to create sustainable, inclusive, and community-led tourism experiences.
Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director at UN Tourism, said: “These MOOCs offer rural communities the tools to discover and make the most of their tourism potential – identifying what makes them unique and designing experiences that are both authentic and sustainable. From strategic planning to product prototyping, the courses empower them to lead their own development journeys. This goes beyond online learning; it is about helping rural destinations shape their future and thrive on their own terms.”
Practical tools for community-led tourism
Together, the two MOOCs offer a comprehensive and hands-on learning journey. Participants will learn the foundations of rural tourism development, how to assess and leverage their assets, and how to design authentic, experience-driven offerings that reflect local culture and values. They will also gain insights into marketing and branding tools that ensure tourism products reach and engage their target audiences.
The Design Thinking for Rural Tourism Development course introduces learners to human-centered design, emphasizing empathy, creativity, and co-creation. Participants can explore how to co-create tourism solutions with local communities through ideation, prototyping, and evaluation.
Meanwhile, the Product Development and Marketing for Rural Areas course focuses on practical strategies for developing rural tourism experiences – from stakeholder engagement to crafting compelling narratives and marketing campaigns. Both courses feature global case studies and best practices, helping learners apply their skills to real-world challenges.
Global access, local impact
The MOOCs are open to all – including tourism entrepreneurs, destination managers, local officials, NGO representatives, students, and creatives interested in sustainable rural development. Accessible through the UN Tourism Online Academy, the courses allow participants to learn at their own pace.