TUI Academy Thailand
In Thailand’s tourism hubs of Phuket and Phang Nga, many young people face limited access to education and employment, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. At the same time, Thailand’s ageing population and shrinking youth workforce place growing pressure on the economy, making it more urgent than ever to invest in young people’s potential. As tourism continues to grow, so do the risks – particularly for disadvantaged young people. TUI Academy Thailand, now entering its second phase, builds on the success of its earlier work by offering these young people the tools they need to protect themselves and find decent work in the hospitality sector.
The project is implemented in partnership with Plan International. It aims to break cycles of inequality through vocational training, life skills education and employer engagement to promote safe, inclusive, and sustainable employment pathways.
Tourism is a major economic force in Thailand, but its rapid growth also exposes young people to increased risks of exploitation, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In provinces like Phuket and Phang Nga, the lack of formal education and career pathways leaves many young people at risk of exploitation, including child labour and sexual abuse. The first phase of TUI Academy Thailand made a strong impact by helping vulnerable young people gain the skills and support needed to enter the tourism workforce. A total of 236 young people enrolled in the programme, 154 completed both training and internships, and 109 secured decent jobs within six months.
Building on this foundation, the second phase of the project offers a comprehensive pre-employment programme to 160 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, who may be at risk of exploitation.
The project collaborates with stakeholders to conduct a labour market scan, identifying trends and demands in tourism and hospitality industry. Based on these insights, training curricula are reviewed and tailored to meet market needs, address youth-specific challenges and incorporate emerging themes such as green skills and gender equality.
Participants undergo a three-month pre-employment training programme that includes life skills, vocational education, and employability coaching and additional competencies such as English and digital literacy. The curriculum also covers gender equality, sexual harassment and abuse prevention, helping young people to recognise risks and protect themselves in real-world settings. After completing the training, students are placed in internships with hospitality businesses, where they receive stipends and basic amenities.
The project works with employers to ensure fair labour practices, decent working conditions, and safe environments for young employees. Students enrol in the TUI E-Academy and complete at least two online courses, reinforcing their learning and exposure to global standards.
To ensure a stable environment for participation, the project provides welfare support to around 200 people, including carers and family members. This includes allowances for transportation and accommodation, as well as access to counselling. Upon completion of the programme, 128 students graduate with formal qualifications, and 85% of them secure employment within six months – demonstrating the project’s effectiveness in creating real, lasting opportunities for youth in Thailand’s tourism sector.
Project Partner
Plan International is an international development organisation working in over 80 countries worldwide to support vulnerable children, with a particular focus on equality for girls and young women. With the support of thousands of sponsors, companies and (institutional) donors, Plan International works to improve the lives of children and young people on a global scale.
