Resilience Manager training course in tourism launched

On October 17, the new part-time certificate course Resilience Manager in Tourism celebrated its successful launch. The first two-day module, entitled Individual Resilience in a Professional Context, was held at the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences and marked the beginning of a course funded by the INTERREG project Resilient Tourism. Twenty-one participants from tourism associations, hotel businesses, and other sectors of the tourism industry took part in the kick-off—not only from Tyrol, Salzburg, and Upper Bavaria, but also from South Tyrol, Carinthia, and Lower Austria.

INDIVIDUAL RESILIENCE IN THE PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT

The first module, led by Susanne Thamer-Walter, systemic coach and university lecturer, focused on building personal resilience in everyday working life. The focus was on various scientific resilience models – from the seven pillars of resilience to neurobiological and systemic approaches.

Participants analyzed their own resilience factors, developed strategies for dealing with stress, and created personal resilience plans for their everyday work. “Resilience is not a fixed state, but a process that can be learned—it arises from experience, reflection, and relationships,” Thamer-Walter emphasized during the seminar. One participant summed up the two intensive days as follows: “Susanne designed the course in a very competent, well-founded, and entertaining way. She responded flexibly to the group dynamics and needs of the participants. The event inspired me greatly, and I took away many insights that I will implement immediately.”

EVENING EVENT AT LEOPOLDSKRON CASTLE

A particular highlight of the opening weekend was the evening spent together at the historic Leopoldskron Castle. During an exclusive tour, participants gained fascinating insights into the history and current use of the castle as a hotel and event location. Particularly impressive was the description of the challenges of preserving a listed building while at the same time managing it in an economically sustainable manner—a topic that directly appealed to many hoteliers and tourism professionals in the group.

OUTLOOK FOR THE REMAINING COURSE

The modules Operational Resilience and Regional Resilience will follow in the coming months. Both can also be completed individually as micro-credentials worth 5 ECTS credits each – registration is still open. The next complete course for Resilience Managers in Tourism will start on January 23, 2026. Thanks to INTERREG funding, participation is currently still free of charge.

Links:

• Interreg Project Resilient Tourism | research project
• Resilience manager in tourism | certificate course