Measuring What Matters: Using Indicators to Drive Sustainability in Tourism, Hospitality & Events

1-day, in-person professional short course

Course Aim

This hands-on course introduces tourism, hospitality, and event professionals to practical tools and indicator systems that can be used to measure, monitor, and benchmark sustainability performance. Participants will learn how to apply internationally recognised frameworks to track progress, make informed decisions, and create meaningful environmental, cultural, and economic benefits for their organisation.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for professionals who want to embed sustainability into day-to-day operations, including:

• Venue, attraction, and event managers or coordinators
• Mid-level operations staff and guest-facing teams
• Professionals working in hotels, heritage sites, food services, festivals, and destination-based SMEs

No prior expertise in sustainability policy or data analysis is required; this course is designed to be practical and accessible.

What you will cover

Key areas explored during the day include:

• Why sustainability measurement matters: business, reputational, and guest experience benefits
• Understanding sustainability indicators (economic, environmental, and socio-cultural)
• Practical ways to collect, calculate, and report indicator data
• Benchmarking and monitoring over time to track progress and set realistic targets
• Case studies from venues, festivals, and destinations using indicators to drive real change
• Tools and supports available, including accreditation schemes and free resources
• Developing a personal Indicator Action Plan tailored to your own workplace

Learning approach

Participants will learn through interactive tasks, group discussions, and practical exercises, from classifying indicators, to designing simple data collection methods, to building a personal action plan they can take back to their organisation.

Key course information

Course date: Wednesday 21 January 2026. In-person, 1 day (09:30–16:00)

Venue: Cardiff School of Management, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus, Cardiff, CF5 2YB

Cost: £250*

*Organisations in Wales may qualify for 50% funding to support participation. Eligibility is subject to Welsh Government Flexible Skills Programme.

Hospitality will be provided throughout the day and a certificate of attendance issued upon completion.

For course-specific enquiries, please email Dr Emmet McLoughlin: emcloughlin@cardiffmet.ac.uk

To enrol on this course, please go to our online store or contact csm-enterprise@cardiffmet.ac.uk for more information regarding enrolment and payment methods.