Home » TOURISM NEWS » England Unveils Exclusive Digital Training Hub to Power Up Tourism Businesses and Unlock Global Growth

Published on
August 30, 2025

With the introduction of comprehensive online training courses which seek to equip businesses and stakeholders, the tourism sector in England is poised to take a major leap forward. The courses are aimed towards building skills, widening access to new markets, and fostering a more inclusive and competitive tourism industry throughout the country.

The new digital learning opportunities cater to everyone involved in the visitor economy—from front-line staff working in accommodations, attractions, and hospitality to professionals collaborating with Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs). By making these resources widely available, the initiative intends to strengthen regional economies and help businesses seize global opportunities in an ever-evolving market.

All courses have been carefully developed by VisitEngland to provide practical, actionable insights. LVEPs are encouraged to share these programs within their networks, enabling businesses to enhance visitor experiences, embrace inclusivity, and position themselves as key players in the international tourism market.

A Closer Look at the New Courses

The training portfolio covers a diverse range of subjects, each addressing a critical aspect of the tourism sector. From inclusivity and accessibility to niche travel experiences and global marketing strategies, these courses are designed to deliver real-world benefits.

Welcoming LGBTQIA+ Customers

One of the most groundbreaking additions to the curriculum is the Welcoming LGBTQIA+ Customers course. This program aligns with the industry’s commitment to creating an inclusive tourism environment that reflects the diversity of modern travelers.

Valued at an impressive £7.1 billion within domestic tourism alone, the LGBTQIA+ market presents a major opportunity for growth. The self-paced, interactive module offers a wealth of guidance, including:

  • Strategies for inclusivity – Practical steps businesses can adopt to foster a genuinely welcoming environment.
  • Insights from lived experiences – Real-world perspectives to help staff understand the unique needs of LGBTQIA+ travelers.
  • Market value awareness – A deep dive into the economic importance of serving this segment effectively.

Through these lessons, businesses can develop a culture of inclusivity, build trust with diverse audiences, and strengthen their reputation within the global travel market.

Unlocking Accessibility with VisitEngland’s Toolkit

Another vital course centers on VisitEngland’s Accessibility and Inclusive Tourism Toolkit, a resource designed to help businesses become more accessible and inclusive. The training includes a series of short, easy-to-follow videos that guide users through the toolkit’s structure and its practical applications.

This program equips tourism operators with tools to:

  • Identify and remove accessibility barriers for travelers with various impairments.
  • Communicate accessibility information effectively.
  • Develop inclusive employment practices.

The importance of this course cannot be overstated. With the “purple pound” valued at £14.6 billion, accessibility represents one of the most powerful growth opportunities in tourism. Businesses that embrace inclusivity not only cater to a broader audience but also position themselves as leaders in customer service and social responsibility.

GCC Welcome – Attracting High-Value Visitors

Another standout addition is the GCC Welcome e-learning course, which focuses on attracting travelers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This high-value market is expected to generate over £1 billion in visitor spending this year, with projections rising to £1.5 billion by 2030.

The one-to-two-hour self-paced module explores:

  • Visitor trends from GCC nations.
  • Cultural expectations and preferences.
  • Personalized strategies for creating exceptional guest experiences.

By implementing these insights, tourism businesses can tap into a lucrative market segment and deliver services that resonate with high-spending visitors from the region.

Taking England’s Wine Tourism Global

Wine tourism is gaining momentum, and with 42% of international visitors expressing interest in wine-related experiences, this sector represents a key growth area. To help businesses capitalize on this demand, VisitEngland has launched a specialized Wine Tourism course in partnership with Wine GB.

This training is tailored for operators offering wine experiences, such as vineyard tours and tastings. It provides a roadmap to:

  • Understand the international wine tourism landscape.
  • Gain insights into consumer behavior and preferences.
  • Develop marketing strategies to attract inbound travelers.

By adopting these strategies, businesses can transform local wine experiences into globally sought-after attractions.

Taking England to the World – A Comprehensive Guide

Finally, the flagship Taking England to the World program, previously available only in classrooms and webinars, is now fully accessible online. This extensive eight-hour e-learning course covers everything businesses need to build an international presence, including:

  • How to create world-class, bookable experiences.
  • Understanding the global travel distribution system.
  • Effective strategies for reaching international markets.

This course is essential for businesses aiming to scale their operations and attract travelers from around the world.

Driving Growth Through Education

The introduction of these online courses offers more than educational opportunities; it is a means of strategically safeguarding long-term economic growth for England’s tourism and visitor economy. Addressing inclusivity, accessibility, cultural considerations, and market diversification ensures that businesses are equipped with the resources they need to succeed in the ever-competitive global economy.

Traveler expectations are evolving. The ability to adapt quickly is essential, as is the ability to innovate. These courses are designed to inspire businesses to embrace best practices and revamp customer engagement. Business innovation results in not only improved customer satisfaction but also new and novel revenue opportunities.

For those dedicated to tourism and committed to its sustained growth, these courses are invaluable, marking a critical chance to catalyze personal growth while concurrently leading the future of England’s visitor economy.