GENNZ SUMMER SCHOOL 2025

GenNZ is an Erasmus+ project co-funded by the EU.
Green Tourism. A Career Opportunity of the Future.
May–June 2025 | Slovenia (online)

An exceptional free opportunity for 20 selected individuals who will shape the future of sustainable tourism. 📬 Applications open in April 2025.

🔍 Why is this training a unique opportunity?
The green transition and new European sustainability guidelines are radically transforming the tourism industry. Employers are actively seeking experts who understand sustainability principles, act with social responsibility, and possess specific green skills.

With the GenNZ program, you will:
✅ Significantly increase your employability in the tourism and hospitality sector
✅ Strengthen your competitive advantage in the job market
✅ Boost your market value – professionals with green competencies earn higher annual incomes
✅ Obtain a European-recognized micro-qualification, valued internationally

The GenNZ Summer School is a pilot learning program designed to test, evaluate, and refine a new approach to teaching “green skills.” This approach supports the transition to sustainable tourism and ensures that these important changes happen quickly and effectively.

🎓 Certificate Value
At the end of the program, you will receive an official micro-qualification in the form of a digital certificate, recognized by employers at home and abroad. The certificate confirms your in-depth knowledge and mastery of key sustainability approaches in tourism:
✅ Carbon footprint management and implementation of the circular economy
✅ Understanding ESG standards and sustainable leadership
✅ Effective communication of sustainability practices with guests
✅ Practical skills for working in green destinations

This certificate, part of a broader European transition to future-oriented professions, provides a major competitive advantage when seeking employment, applying for grants, or developing your own career path.

Program Content

  • In-depth introductory webinar with a comprehensive digital resource pack
  • Four thematic modules: green competencies, sustainable practice, ESG implementation in tourism, digital tools
  • Individual mentoring with industry experts
  • Interactive learning materials: video reflections, podcasts, case studies
  • Practical training at selected locations
  • Expert reflection and evaluation of acquired knowledge
  • Final report and official European micro-qualification
  • Optional public presentation of your work at the closing event

👥 Who is the program for?
The program is designed for anyone who wants to gain specialized knowledge in the field of sustainable tourism:
✅ Young people (18–30): job seekers, graduates, beginners in tourism or hospitality
✅ Adults (30+): individuals undergoing a career transition or upgrading existing skills
✅ Educators and mentors in vocational education systems
✅ Employees and entrepreneurs in hospitality, tourism, accommodation, winemaking, and the natural and cultural heritage sectors

✍️ Application and Candidate Selection

  • Applications are open in April 2025 via an online form on the EMC Slovenia website
  • Selection notifications will be sent no later than April 25, 2025
  • Selected candidates will receive a welcome package with access to introductory materials and a detailed schedule
  • Only 20 participants per country will be accepted. Selection will be based on applicants’ roles in the tourism, hospitality, or education sectors.

Tuition Fee
The program is funded through the Erasmus+ project and is free for participants.
Participants will also be invited to attend the final project events in person, including the “GenNZ Certificate Award Ceremony” and a celebration in Athens and at the ESA Sustainability Management Training Center in Crete in September 2025.

🌍 Invest in Your Future
Participation in the GenNZ Summer School is a strategic investment in your professional future, enhancing your CV, upgrading your skills, and supporting personal development.
At a time when green skills are becoming increasingly valued, become one of those who is ready and sought-after in the job market.

Organizers:

Free registration for the GENNZ 2025 Summer School is available here:
👉 https://forms.gle/KaLv41coVJCPArBq6

GenNZ Summer School Program

The program will start with a live online welcome and introduction (program presentation, mentor meet & greet, explanation of access to materials and assessment submissions).

The 4 main learning modules will be available online and on-demand. Each module becomes available only on its scheduled start date.
Each module includes multiple elements/themes related to learning specific KSBs (Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours), which can be selected based on participant roles. Some elements are optional.

Online modules are supported by special live webinars with tourism and hospitality experts and guest speakers from Greece and Slovenia. These sessions will be recorded and made available on YouTube.

Detailed Weekly Program:

Week 1 – Start: 05.05.25
Live online seminar (90 minutes, incl. break)
Tuesday, May 6 or Wednesday, May 7 | 16:30–18:00
INTRODUCTION

  • Learning process
  • Sustainability literacy – key course concepts
  • Meet your mentor (learning support)
  • Live webinar: Course overview, green knowledge quiz, how to upload tasks, access to learning materials, intro to the final project, assessment & micro-credential details

Week 2 – Start: 12.05.25
MODULE 1: Back-casting Skills & Trend Recognition

  • UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Climate Change
  • Environmental Management
  • Tourism/Hospitality perspective
    On-demand materials:
  • Module guide
  • Videos, resources, exercises
  • Greek & Slovenian context
    Live webinar: Guest speaker – TBA
    Tuesday, May 13 | 17:00–18:00

Week 3 – Start: 19.05.25
MODULE 2: Understanding Waste Reduction

  • Practical Circular Economy
  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
  • Carbon footprint measurement
  • Supplier management
  • Continuous LCA implementation
    On-demand: Videos, resources, sample templates, Greek & Slovenian info
    Live webinar: Case study – Guest speaker TBA
    Tuesday, May 20 | 17:00–18:00

Week 4 – Start: 26.05.25
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE IN PRACTICE

  • Reflection and mid-program evaluation
  • 1:1 mentoring/coaching sessions
    Live webinar: Guest speaker – TBC
    Tuesday, May 27 | 16:00–17:00

Week 5 – Start: 02.06.25
MODULE 3: Developing Green Services

  • Green tourism products and services
  • Environmental conditions & tourist safety
  • Changing demand and marketing
    On-demand: Videos, case examples, exercises
    Live webinar: Case study – Guest speaker TBC
    Tuesday, June 3 | 17:00–18:00

Week 6 – Start: 09.06.25
MODULE 4: Communicating Sustainability

  • Avoiding greenwashing
  • Clear communication of actions and goals
  • Intercultural and social competencies
    On-demand: Videos, exercises, resources
    Pre-recorded webinar: 2 global sustainability experts
    Each video: ~1 hour

Week 7 – Start: 16.06.25
Work-Based Learning (WBL)

  • Applying KSBs in real-world practice
    Optional project (individual or group):
    Topics: AI, energy, new products, communication
    Carried out in the workplace or with WBL host

Week 8 – Start: 23.06.25

  • Final report writing and feedback
    Live seminar – Friday, June 27
    Final presentations & mentor feedback (2 hours, incl. break)

Free registration for the GENNZ 2025 Summer School is available here:
👉 https://forms.gle/KaLv41coVJCPArBq6