Griffith Institute for Tourism is offering a micro-credential course to help tourism businesses accelerate their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, free of charge.

Dr Sarah Gardiner is the Deputy Director of the Griffith Institute for Tourism and is a published researcher on travel consumer behaviour, experience design and innovation.

Created by GIFT Deputy Director Dr Sarah Gardiner, the self-paced Tourism — Ready for Recovery course is offered online. Participants will receive a digital badge on completion, which can be shared online to verify their new skills.

“The course aims to get participants thinking about all the information and data that’s out there and how to pick through it and come up with creative and innovative ways to navigate this crisis and out the other side,” she said.

The course is built around four modules ranging from understanding the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry to identifying new niche opportunities to remain competitive in the marketplace.

GIFT’s deep industry links and research shapes the course materials including industry case studies and video interviews with tourist operators and key industry stakeholders.

Dr Gardiner’s recent work with Binna Burra Lodge after the devastating bushfires last year, anchors the last module teaching students how to build a network of support to fast-track recovery.

“Not since WW2 have we seen such a disruption to the tourism industry. Hope is not a strategy, but strategy is our greatest hope”

“Not since WW2 have we seen such a disruption to the tourism industry. Hope is not a strategy, but strategy is our greatest hope,” Dr Gardiner said.

Binna Burra Lodge established an MOU with Griffith University earlier this year.