Tailored tourism training for an ever-evolving industry
GIFT provides a range of services, including practical and research-based training for industry professionals in Australia and overseas. Training programs can be tailored to particular needs, drawing upon the world-class expertise of Griffith University staff in tourism, finance, town planning, information technology and other areas. Training courses build on our extensive teaching, applied research and practical industry experience.
Sustainable Development Goals
As a values-based university with local and global impact, Griffith seeks to contribute to the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across all academic, operational and engagement activities.
Tourism experience training - Working with Gold Coast businesses
GIFT has worked closely with industry and government to develop training resources to improve the visitor experience and create memorable tourist experiences. In 2012, Dr Sarah Gardiner and Professor Noel Scott were successful in securing an Australian Government TQUAL Grant. They worked with five businesses—including Dreamworld, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Get Wet Surf School, Paradise Jetboating and Australian Kayaking Adventures—to develop and test new products particularly targeted at the Chinese independent travel and student markets.
Tourism product development training for Indonesian tourism stakeholders
GIFT, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has developed a training workshops for Indonesian tourism managers for the Australia Awards Indonesia Program. Now in its second year, the course is supported by Griffith University and Sunshine Coast University staff. During the course participants work on individual research projects that they implement on their return.
The course is delivered in three phases:
- One week pre-course workshop in Labuan Bajo, Flores.
- Three-week short course in North Queensland and the Gold Coast.
- Post-course workshop in Indonesia.
Training for tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations Development Goals are 17 specific goals the global community has agreed on to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. In some way, sustainable tourism has the capacity to contribute. GIFT researchers work with local, national and international communities and agencies, as well as public and private partners on training initiatives (including educational programs and outreach) which assist stakeholders to apply tourism to achieve these goals. Special focus is given to those specifically relating to tourism, namely: Goal 8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all); Goal 12 (Ensure sustainable Consumption and Production patterns); Goal 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development); and Goal 15 (Life on Land) to ensure that sustainable management of land tourism., with the objective of supporting sustainable management within land-based tourism sectors.
Tourism Economics and Tourism Satellite Accounts
As tourism statistics are not part of the core System of National Accounts, the role of Tourism Satellite Accounts is critical to tourism analysts and policymakers. Tourism contribution and its impacts on the whole economy can only be quantified through the Tourism Satellite Accounts (TSA). The TSA framework brings both demand and supply sides of the tourism sector together for better planning and decision-making. Dr Tien Pham has extensive experience in the TSA field and led the development of sub-state TSA for tourism destinations in Queensland, and subsequently he developed the State TSA for all states and territories in Australia. He has provided advice, seminars and training to industry and government departments in Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.
Supporting Pacific climate resilience through nature-based education
The Griffith Institute for Tourism supports local and national communities through educational programs and outreach focused on sustainable land tourism, exemplified by its role in hosting the launch of the first Oceania-wide micro-qualification in Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Developed in partnership with Pacific organisations and universities, and supported by the Kiwa Initiative, the program equips Pacific learners with culturally grounded and scientifically rigorous approaches to restoring ecosystems. Griffith University hosted the launch event on 28 October 2025, where Professor Chris Fleming presented on the economics of NbS, reinforcing Griffith’s commitment to climate resilience and regional collaboration. The program blends ancestral knowledge with modern science, features real-world case studies, and awards participants a Griffith-endorsed digital badge, marking a regional commitment to sustainable management of land for tourism, and ultimately learning for survival, dignity, and the future.
Empowering Pacific communities through sustainable tourism education and outreach
Through Griffith’s Institute for Tourism’s Pacific Islands Project, Griffith has offered free community-focused education and outreach by working with local tourism, indigenous and community partners throughout 2024 and 2025. Such education and outreach has sought to co-create new knowledge in tourism, improve sustainable management of land for tourism, establish a community of practice, and develop tools, guides and policy briefs that promote tourism and sustainable development. Further, through the Community of Practice, existing and new networks within and across destinations are being developed and strengthened. This project includes authentic and impactful capacity building for our project partners and a suite of tools, guides and policy briefs for those seeking to promote tourism that enables genuine sustainable development. It is important because sustainable management of land for tourism is a key challenge for Pacific islands.