Learn how to manage destinations through regenerative business models, destination stewardship approaches, and stakeholder engagement methodologies.
We are all under pressure: visitor economies, their host communities, the earth, and the vulnerable. We need a new approach that considers how interconnected networks - social, environmental, and economic - can work together to restore, replenish, and sustain resources and communities.
Join us on a journey to a new mindset as we:
- Discover regenerative business models
- Explore effective destination stewardship
- Embrace stakeholders through slow learning with industry leaders
What will you learn at this course?
Comprehensive Understanding
Learn the key concepts of regenerative systems design, and explore how to use nature-based principles, biomimicry and systems thinking to develop destinations that thrive and flourish.
Strategic Opportunities
Expand your knowledge of sustainable and regenerative destination management approaches, methodologies, best practices and failures.
Practical Guidance
Apply the learning from the sessions (in teams) to enhance your destination's tourism and events strategy and catalyse long-term social, environmental and economic impact.
What is this course about?
In this course, you will be taken on a 3-month journey to explore and develop a new mindset leveraging the latest in regenerative systems thinking.
You will investigate and learn about new regenerative business models, destination stewardship approaches and stakeholder engagement methodologies that enable DMOs to catalyse investment, generate jobs, develop knowledge, equitably distribute prosperity, and deliver unforgettable visitor experiences.
You will learn from destination leaders, experts and each other, to gain new perspectives on what it entails to create, market and steward future fit destinations.
Who is this online course for?
Tourism and DMO professionals who would like to learn an innovative approach towards destination management.
Start date: 04 September 2025
Project preparation time: 30 October 2025 - 23 November 2025
Graduation: 27 November 2025
Allow 1 hour for pre-Module activities and another hour for homework after each Module. The final project will take about 8 hours.
*Express your interest by sending us an email, and we will provide you with information on payment modalities.
**We invite you to help us support students from low-income countries by donating and gifting 50 euros towards their education. Financially challenged right now, but want to learn? We offer a limited number of scholarships, please contact us HERE, explaining why you would love to learn with us and how you will benefit from our scholarship.
GDS-Movement, ICCA and CityDNA members have 200 euros discount. Contact us HERE to get your discount code.
Chief Executive Officer, GDS-Movement Guy Bigwood
LinkedIn
Guy has spent 18 years helping cities, governments, corporations, and associations advance sustainability and regenerative practices. Former Sustainability Director at MCI, his pioneering work has earned 22 sustainability awards, including the Events Industry Council Pacesetter Award, and recognition as a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
Guy has spent 18 years helping cities, governments, corporations, and associations advance sustainability and regenerative practices. Former Sustainability Director at MCI, his pioneering work has earned 22 sustainability awards, including the Events Industry Council Pacesetter Award, and recognition as a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
Lead Storyteller, GDS-Movement Betsy Reed
LinkedIn
Betsy is a leadership coach, sustainability advisor, teacher, author, and storyteller with 20 years of experience across five continents. She lead campaigns for governments, NGOs, and businesses. Past roles include Head of Campaigns at Zero Waste Scotland and Director at Grayling. Betsy is currently Head Tutor at the Cambridge University Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Betsy is a leadership coach, sustainability advisor, teacher, author, and storyteller with 20 years of experience across five continents. She lead campaigns for governments, NGOs, and businesses. Past roles include Head of Campaigns at Zero Waste Scotland and Director at Grayling. Betsy is currently Head Tutor at the Cambridge University Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Consulting Futurist, GDS-Movement Ed Gillespie
LinkedIn
Ed Gillespie is a keynote speaker, writer, futurist, and serial entrepreneur. He is the Consulting Futurist at GDS-Movement, a facilitator at the Forward Institute, and a a Trustee of Energy Revolution. Ed co-hosts the Itunes chart-topping podcasts 'Jon Richardson and the Futurenauts' and 'The Great Humbling'. He’s also a founder investor and former Chair of online rail business Loco2, now Rail Europe.
Ed Gillespie is a keynote speaker, writer, futurist, and serial entrepreneur. He is the Consulting Futurist at GDS-Movement, a facilitator at the Forward Institute, and a a Trustee of Energy Revolution. Ed co-hosts the Itunes chart-topping podcasts 'Jon Richardson and the Futurenauts' and 'The Great Humbling'. He’s also a founder investor and former Chair of online rail business Loco2, now Rail Europe.
Founding Partner & CCO, Group NAO Peter Rømer Hansen
LinkedIn
Peter has been a key figure in developing destinations and tourism cooperation across Europe. As Executive Vice President of Wonderful Copenhagen, Peter played a lead role in building a strategic and analytical DMO, taking tourism to new levels with Big Tourism and innovation strategies. He is now Founding Partner and CSO at Group NAO, focusing on strategic work in travel, tourism, and urban development.
Peter has been a key figure in developing destinations and tourism cooperation across Europe. As Executive Vice President of Wonderful Copenhagen, Peter played a lead role in building a strategic and analytical DMO, taking tourism to new levels with Big Tourism and innovation strategies. He is now Founding Partner and CSO at Group NAO, focusing on strategic work in travel, tourism, and urban development.
Relationship Manager (UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria) & Destination Climate Action Expert, GDS-Movement Janie Neumann
LinkedIn
Janie has over 20 years of experience in tourism, championing responsible practices that benefit businesses, communities, and heritage. At VisitScotland, she led sustainable tourism efforts, including Destination Net Zero and the climate action plan. With Green Tourism, she advised over 300 businesses in the UK, New Zealand, and Canada on sustainability certification and assessments.
Janie has over 20 years of experience in tourism, championing responsible practices that benefit businesses, communities, and heritage. At VisitScotland, she led sustainable tourism efforts, including Destination Net Zero and the climate action plan. With Green Tourism, she advised over 300 businesses in the UK, New Zealand, and Canada on sustainability certification and assessments.
CEO & Founding Partner, Group NAO Signe Jungersted
LinkedIn
Signe Jungersted is CEO and partner in innovation and strategy agency Group NAO. NAO works with strategic transformation and innovation within the experience and visitor economy. Projects include 101sustainableideas.com with Gothenburg and Power of Community with European Cities Marketing.
Signe Jungersted is CEO and partner in innovation and strategy agency Group NAO. NAO works with strategic transformation and innovation within the experience and visitor economy. Projects include 101sustainableideas.com with Gothenburg and Power of Community with European Cities Marketing.
Regenerative Tourism Consultant, Spain & Portugal, GDS-Movement Mònica Molina
LinkedIn
Mònica Molina is the founder of DEI Consultoria and Regenerative Tourism Consultant for Spain & Portugal at GDS-Movement. With 22 years in tourism, she remains passionate about the industry. She holds a PhD in Geography specializing in accessible and sustainable tourism and balances lecturing, professional training, and keynote speaking at industry congresses.
Mònica Molina is the founder of DEI Consultoria and Regenerative Tourism Consultant for Spain & Portugal at GDS-Movement. With 22 years in tourism, she remains passionate about the industry. She holds a PhD in Geography specializing in accessible and sustainable tourism and balances lecturing, professional training, and keynote speaking at industry congresses.
Relationship Manager, Nordic Region, GDS-Movement Inge Krogh Larsen
LinkedIn
With 25 years of experience in travel and tourism, senior sustainability consultant Inge Krogh Larsen helps destinations, CVBs, SMEs, and the events industry develop strategies for positive change. Founder of Grøn Start, she supports sustainability efforts and guides companies toward B Corp and Green Key certifications. Through training, workshops, and keynotes, Inge advocates for regenerative tourism and sustainable event management.
With 25 years of experience in travel and tourism, senior sustainability consultant Inge Krogh Larsen helps destinations, CVBs, SMEs, and the events industry develop strategies for positive change. Founder of Grøn Start, she supports sustainability efforts and guides companies toward B Corp and Green Key certifications. Through training, workshops, and keynotes, Inge advocates for regenerative tourism and sustainable event management.
Director, GDS-Events and GDS-Academy, GDS-Movement Milda Salciute
LinkedIn
Milda has over 10 years of experience in sustainable events, managing the social, economic, and environmental impacts of in-person, digital, and hybrid events. At IMEX Group, she led education and sustainability initiatives. Now, at GDS-Movement, she helps associations shape and implement sustainable event strategies, from vision to measurement and communication.
Milda has over 10 years of experience in sustainable events, managing the social, economic, and environmental impacts of in-person, digital, and hybrid events. At IMEX Group, she led education and sustainability initiatives. Now, at GDS-Movement, she helps associations shape and implement sustainable event strategies, from vision to measurement and communication.
Guest Speakers
Over 20 guest speakers from destination management organisations around the world!
Consultant, #MEET4IMPACT; Regenerative Tourism Consultant APAC Region, GDS-Movement Jessica Vandy
LinkedIn
Jessica is an international collaboration partner at #MEET4IMPACT, developing social impact strategies for destinations. With 18 years in the sector, Jessica specializes in social impact, sustainability, events, and communications. She is also founder of The Tenth Letter, a consultancy focused on regenerative tourism and events.
Jessica is an international collaboration partner at #MEET4IMPACT, developing social impact strategies for destinations. With 18 years in the sector, Jessica specializes in social impact, sustainability, events, and communications. She is also founder of The Tenth Letter, a consultancy focused on regenerative tourism and events.
The live classes are scheduled at 16:00 - 18:30 CET.
Click HERE to check how it works with your time zone.
| Module 1 - Thursday, 04 September, 2025 |
An Introduction to the Regenerative Revolution |
| Module 2 - Thursday, 11 September, 2025 |
Building Capacity: Tactical approaches to accelerating transformation |
| Module 3 - Thursday, 18 September, 2025 |
The DEI Journey - Social Sustainability in Tourism |
| Module 4 - Thursday, 25 September, 2025 |
Demystifying the Climate Jargon: Practical Destination Approaches for Climate Action |
| Module 5 - Thursday, 02 October, 2025 |
Visitor Economy Management: Balancing Growth and Regenerative Strategies |
| Module 6 - Thursday, 09 October, 2025 |
DMOcracy: Stakeholder engagement, co-creation and governance |
|
Module 7 - Thursday, 16 October, 2025 |
Storytelling and Communication Strategies for Regeneration |
|
Module 8 - Thursday, 23 October, 2025 |
Impact Strategy: Enabling, measuring and reporting on social and environmental transformation |
|
Module 9 - Thursday, 30 October, 2025 |
Funding for Tomorrow: Developing Regenerative Tax Systems |
|
Module 10 - Thursday, 06 November, 2025 |
From theory to practice: Strategising and purposing the DMO |
Thursday, 27 November, 2025 |
Graduation |
What our students say
'Well-explained with Excellent Case Studies'
I found this course very informative and highly enjoyable, and it has increased my understanding of, and confidence in, the delivery of Regenerative Tourism. Each module was explained well and with enthusiasm, with excellent case studies and speakers from across the globe. I learnt as much from my fellow students, who represented a wide range of destinations, and left as friends.
'Inspiring and Transformative Experience'
The Certificate in Regenerative Destination Management was a transformative experience that equipped me with cutting-edge tools and insights to drive sustainable and regenerative tourism. The programme’s blend of live sessions, pre-module activities, and practical assignments provided a seamless integration of theory and application, culminating in a final project directly tied to real-world challenges. The collaborative network of professionals further enriched the experience, making this course an invaluable investment for anyone looking to lead in sustainable destination management.
'Stepping Stones for Change'
The course has truly been inspiring and have fueled not just mine - but also my colleagues' - motivation to work regenerative with tourism. I now have a great stepping stone to elevate capacity and bring change to our destination.
'Brilliant up to date global resources'
I was fortunate to take the GDS Regenerative Events course in April 2023; the learnings and teaching style inspired my desire for more regenerative knowledge. I didn’t hesitate to sign up for the Regenerative Destination Management course because it had everything I was looking for: regularly scheduled classes, a fantastic line-up of faculty, many of whom I’ve admired from afar but never thought I’d meet let alone get small group tuition from, brilliant up to date global resources and case studies every week and the amazing atmosphere of learning alongside fellow international tourism industry peers. I highly recommend this course to take your education to the next level.
'Highly recommended'
This course provides access to the brightest and most driven minds in our field, and I am grateful to now count the sustainability leaders at DMOs around the world not only as peers, but as friends.
'One of the best decisions this year'
The knowledge I gained will enrich my professional and personal life.
'I look forward to applying the insights'
You get to know regenerative destination management from all its facets. The many international examples and testimonials make it very practical.
Would you like more information?
You can schedule a meeting with Giulia, our GDS-Academy Coordinator. We will provide more information on the product(s) you are interested in.