Tourism has the power to uplift communities, strengthen local economies, and protect our planet, but only if we take responsibility for the impact it creates.
ICRT global is a global non-profit dedicated to advancing Responsible Tourism through education, training, and leadership development. ensure tourism creates better places to live in, and better places to visit.
As an official CSR Partner of ITB Berlin, launched a new Global Scholarship Programme in partnership with ITB Berlin to support industry professionals who are ready to step forward and lead change.
The 2026 Scholarships are now closed for entry. But please do follow our newsletter to hear about our 2027 scholarship programme and to hear news of our 2026 scholarship cohort
Our Professional Certificate Courses
Our 10–12 week online courses are designed for busy professionals who want practical tools, fresh thinking, and real-world strategies to transform tourism from within.
You can apply for a scholarship place worth £395 on:
Professional Certificate in Responsible Tourism
Professional Certificate in Rebalancing Tourism
NEW for 2026: Professional Certificate in Creating Economic Value
Each course delivers:
Frontline strategies and global case studies
Direct engagement with expert tutors
Peer discussion with a global cohort
Space to develop ideas you can implement immediately
At the end of the course, you will produce a concise four-page action report outlining how you will take responsibility for a specific issue in tourism.
This is not theory for theory’s sake. It is practical leadership development for real-world impact.
Scholarship Opportunity
In partnership with ITB Berlin and our course sponsors, we are fund a cohort of 10 scholarship places annually.
We are looking for professionals:
Whose work in tourism could have greater positive impact with the right training
For whom course fees could currently be a barrier
Who are motivated to take responsibility for tourism’s impacts
Are based in regions or sectors with reduced access to training opportunities
At any stage of their career from emerging leaders to senior professionals
We are not looking for perfection. We are looking for commitment, integrity, and potential.
Who Is Supporting These Scholarships?
Our scholarships are funded by sponsors and partners who share our vision of empowering changemakers in tourism, including:
easyJet holidaysis on a mission to mainstream Responsible Tourism. It does this by supporting, and partnering with organisations and individuals who are making significant progress towards making more sustainable holidays mainstream. It connects the scale, industry experience, and economic weight of the easyJet group to the problem-solving abilities, expertise, and research prowess of others.
The Institute of Tourism exists to strengthen the tourism sector by equipping professionals with the knowledge, networks, and leadership skills needed to respond to a rapidly changing industry. Through education, professional development, and thought leadership, the Institute is actively supporting the transition toward more responsible tourism
Lemongrass Marketingis a certified B Corp agency helping vision-led travel brands thrive. Blending traditional PR, strategic content, SEO, and AI-driven visibility, the agency makes brands more visible, trusted, and future-ready. Lemongrass Marketing champions Responsible Tourism by partnering with organisations committed to sustainability, community impact, and ethical travel practices, positioning purpose at the heart of brand storytelling, sector leadership, and long-term destination resilience.
Mathur & Cois a specialist film and content company which believes that content grounded in values has the power to positively change the world. Example work includes a three year series of films designed for staff and communities called Stories of Sustainability for Playa Hotels & Resorts’ Playa Cares programme.
Responsible Travelis the world’s first and largest responsible travel company. It promotes holidays that benefit local people and protect nature, offering thousands of carefully screened trips across 180 countries. It emphasises low‑impact, ethical travel, transparency, fair wages, and community partnerships, highlighting conservation, climate action, and its Trip for a Trip programme supporting disadvantaged children.
Our partners share our belief that tourism can create positive change for communities, ecosystems, and economies.
Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to engage with sponsor representatives during the programme.
How the Scholarship Process Works
Step 1 – Register Your Interest
We will publish a short application form for 2027 scholarships (max 800 words)
You will answer a few focused questions and prepare a short video clip.
Step 2 – Submit Your Application
We will share a link to a platform where you can upload your application and video
Step 3 – Shortlisting & Interviews
Applications will be shortlisted in July
Shortlisted applicants will then be judged in August
A formal announcement will be made in late August/Early September 2027
All applicants will be notified of the outcome.
Step 4 – Scholarships Confirmed
Scholarships confirmed in August/September
Scholarship cohort welcome meeting
Courses begin from September
All reports completed by February the following year
Judging Panel and Criteria
The panel is be chaired by Emeritus Professor and ICRT global founder, Harold Goodwin, alongside representatives from ITB Berlin, the ICRT international network, sponsors, and industry leaders. We will be judging based on:
Professional Relevance (30%)
Applicant works in, or directly influences, tourism or a related sector.
Clear connection between current role and responsible tourism.
Demonstrated opportunity to apply course learning in a professional context.
Evidence of leadership, influence, or decision-making capacity (formal or informal).
Potential for Positive Impact (30%)
Clear identification of specific sustainability challenges.
Realistic and practical explanation of intended impact.
Demonstrates systems thinking and understanding of responsible tourism principles.
Likelihood of measurable change within organisation, destination, or community
Motivation and Career Timing (15%)
Strong, authentic motivation.
Clear explanation of why the course is important at this stage.
Evidence of commitment to Responsible Tourism.
Quality and Clarity of Written Submission (10%)
Structured, coherent, and within word limits.
Specific examples and evidence provided.
Demonstrates critical thinking.
5. Video Submission (15%)
Clear and compelling response to: “Why should I be selected as an ICRT global Scholar 2026?”
Authenticity and clarity.
Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment.
Time Commitment
Designed for busy professionals, our courses require:
10–12 weeks duration
Approximately 2 hours reading per week
Three live group meetings
Dedicated WhatsApp discussion group
One short final action report
Courses run across different time zones, and bespoke time-zone cohorts can be arranged if needed.
Why Apply?
Because tourism will not change on its own.
Because your voice matters.
Because leadership in Responsible Tourism is not about job titles it is about taking responsibility and creating impact.
Because this is your opportunity to gain world-class training, join a global network of changemakers, and take meaningful responsibility in your field.
What Our Students Say
“I’ve rarely completed a programme that felt so purposeful, so human, and so timely. It’s already helping me reframe what we’re building.”
“I’ve taken multiple tourism courses and I can say this course easily rises to the top.”
Ready to Step Forward?
Applications for 2026 are now closed. Scholarship applications are now being reviewed and will be announced on 25 August
Let’s make change together. #SupportingChangemakers #MakeTourismBetter
