Technical Assistance

The GW International Institute of Tourism Studies is supporting communities and tourism businesses to put tourism on a path to good—toward protecting places, conserving cultural and natural heritage, and ensuring that local communities benefit from visitor spending.

Our faculty, students, and alumni are at the forefront of influential global, regional, and local conversations on tourism development.

We provide guidance and support to destinations aiming to sustainably develop and manage tourism. Our approach is tailored to each destination’s unique context, with a focus on translating the latest insights and best practices in destination stewardship and management into actionable solutions that protect resources, benefit communities, and foster long-term resilience and success.

We are proud to work in partnership with Indigenous communities, supporting their efforts to harness tourism as a tool for sustainable development—generating income, creating opportunity, and safeguarding their cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

Because climate change is impacting so many tourism destinations—from ski resorts facing shorter seasons to Caribbean islands coping with storm surges, erosion, droughts, and heatwaves—we are at the forefront of climate resilience efforts, helping destinations adapt to climate change and enhance their long-term sustainability.

OUR PROJECT WORK

Sunset landscpae view of mountains in the background with low lying brush in the foreground

Destination Stewardship

Indigenous Tourism

Climate Resilience

The team worked hard to build trust with the community in a way that was respectful of our culture and traditions. That trust was the basis of a community-based tourism plan that made many feel optimistic about the economic future of tourism in Taos.

Mayor Pascualito M. Maestas
Town of Taos, New Mexico

Students are integral to our work. By serving as research assistants and student consultants in year-round projects, GW’s Master of Science in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management students gain hands-on experience in destination management, Indigenous tourism, climate resilience, and adventure travel research.

Working at GW’s International Institute of Tourism Studies was the highlight of my time as a graduate student. The experience provided the perfect environment for me to apply my classroom learning in real-world contexts. I had incredible opportunities to work with diverse clients, from small island states in the Caribbean to Tribal Nations in the Great Plains of the United States. Many of the wonderful connections I made continue to enrich my professional journey.

Beth Wright
Regenerative Resource Partners (MTA 2021)

Over the years, the GW International Institute of Tourism Studies has worked with l tourism agencies in the Caribbean, the United States, Latin America, Africa, and Asia; businesses such as G Adventures, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Marriott; and organizations including U.N. Tourism, the World Travel and Tourism Council, Destinations International, Adventure Travel Trade Association, U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. National Park Service, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Organization of American States, the Association of Caribbean States, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, USAID and the World Bank.

Ready to build a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for your destination?
Contact us to learn how we can support your tourism goals through research, consulting, and partnership.