Green Leadership for Hotel Managers

<< Background >>We applied for this project to address the growing need for sustainability-focused leadership skills in the hospitality sector. While the industry plays a key role in the global economy, it is also a significant contributor to environmental challenges, such as energy consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions. Despite research demonstrating the effectiveness of Green Leadership, it remains largely absent from business education, and hotel management training programs. Findings from Eurostat (2018) indicate that while 59% of hospitality managers hold tertiary education qualifications, few have received formal training in sustainability. Additionally, an analysis of 120VET programs across eight countries revealed a lack of dedicated courses in green leadership. Our project aimed to fill this gap by developing a MOOC, a handbook and an EU Network for Green Leaders. These initiatives equip hotel professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to drive sustainable change, aligning with the EU Green Deal and ensuring long-term commitment to environmental policies. By integrating Green Leadership into existing curricula, we provide a scalable model for enhancing sustainability competencies across the hospitality sector.<< Objectives >>The project aimed to equip hotel managers with Green Leadership competencies, embedding sustainability in managerial decision-making and operations. To achieve this, we developed training materials, a validated micro-credential system (MOOC), and the European Network for Green Leaders. We also trained participants through over seven events and five Europass-accredited webinars. A key goal was to establish a European Standard for Green Leadership in Hotel Management, providing clear guidelines for sustainable leadership. Through a needs analysis with 150 managers across five countries and a psychometric assessment, we identified skill gaps that shaped the development of a five-module MOOC and a 150-page handbook available in four languages. The project promoted flexible, self-paced learning through the MOOC, allowing professionals to acquire sustainability skills without disrupting their work. To enhance engagement, we developed a web app for continued training, communication, peer interaction, and seamless MOOC access. The European Network for Green Leaders facilitated cross-border collaboration, ensuring long-term impact and alignment with European Green Deal priorities. << Implementation >>Throughout the project, we implemented targeted activities to develop and disseminate Green Leadership competencies. We conducted a needs analysis, surveying 150 hotel managers across EU to identify skill gaps, complemented by secondary research on EU sustainability policies. A structured competency framework was developed, and psychometric testing was conducted with green leaders to refine the training material. We created a 5-module MOOC, integrating expert insights and pilot-tested it across EU to assess effectiveness. A user-friendly platform was developed, offering flexible, self-paced learning, additional resources, and micro-credential certification to recognize acquired skills. To engage long-term collaboration, we created a web app to support our EU Network for Green Leaders, enabling cross-border knowledge sharing through virtual meetings, workshops, and an interactive platform where participants could exchange best practices, and access learning materials. Additionally, we organized 3 transnational meetings in Bulgaria and the Maldives, culminating in a final event in Ireland. Finally, 7 events and 5 webinars were organised to connect industry professionals. << Results >>WP2: We developed a 150-page handbook on Green Leadership, translated into 4 languages (English, Italian, Bulgarian, Greek), available online: https://glhm-erasmus.eu/FINAL_Handbook%20on%20Green%20Leadership%20in%20Hotel%20Management.pdf. We conducted 2surveys with 172 hotel managers to identify skill gaps (needs analysis) and ran a psychometric survey to assess leadership competencies. WP3: We developed a 5-module MOOC to promote Green Leadership among hotel managers. Translated into 4languages, it includes video lectures, multiple-choice tests, and a user-friendly platform. The MOOC is available at: https://glhm-erasmus.info WP4: We created an online network and web platform to support hotel managers in Green Leadership development. Users can share best practices, access the MOOC, attend training, book expert meetings, request new training videos, and watch five tutorials. The app is available on Google Play: https://eu.jotform.com/app/243605093861357 WP5: We developed a fully updated website: https://glhm-erasmus.eu, including WP, results, partners, news, and testimonials. We organized 7events (online, physical, and hybrid), attracting over 500 participants, and delivered 5webinars with 120+ attendees.