06.05.2026 | Press Release
Get ready for the digital future – DRV and Amadeus Fire Group launch an AI training initiative for the travel industry – the programme is eligible for funding under the Qualification and Opportunities Act
Berlin / Frankfurt/Main, 6ᵗʰ May 2026
Digital transformation is rapidly changing the travel industry. Artificial intelligence, data-driven processes and new digital business models pose new challenges for companies but also open up significant opportunities. What often remains lacking: employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully navigate the digital transformation. To support companies in the travel industry with this development, the German Travel Association (DRV) is launching, in collaboration with the personnel service provider and training specialist Amadeus Fire Group (Prime Standard, ISIN: DE0005093108) – which has no connection to the tourism technology service provider Amadeus IT Group S.A. – and subsidiaries GFN and eduBITES, a new training programme to promote digital skills in the tourism sector.
The major advantage: The programme is eligible for funding in accordance with the Qualification and Opportunities Act. Companies with up to 50 employees can receive reimbursement of up to 100 percent of the course fees and up to 75 percent of the wages. The programme is scheduled to start on 1st July with the first cohort. The next training sessions will then follow from 1st September. Those interested can find out more at https://edubites.com/kidd-drv/ and – with support from GFN – submit an application for funding to the Job Centre.
Through the KIDD programme – AI, Digitalisation and Data Literacy – employees in the travel industry receive exclusive, practice-oriented training that is specifically tailored to the sector’s requirements. The programme is aimed towards employees at all levels of the organisation – from specialists to managers – and combines flexible online learning formats with practical live modules. Spread over a period of 16 weeks, participants learn the basics and gain in-depth knowledge on the topics of Artificial Intelligence, leadership and digital skills for the tourism sector through on-demand learning modules. In this way, participants not only gain specialist knowledge about AI, but also learn how to approach AI critically and gain knowledge of the necessary change management processes. In addition, live webinars are held where articipants
work with experienced trainers to transfer what they have learnt to specific real-world scenarios. The focus is on real-life scenarios and challenges from the travel industry. Participants work on practical problem-solving, discuss industry-specific use cases and receive insights from experienced experts in business and digitalisation.
The aim is to enable employees to apply the knowledge they have gained directly in their day-to-day work. The training provides employees with a comprehensive, 360-degree view of Artificial Intelligence within the company and equips them to become rational and critical AI users.
“Digitalisation is fundamentally transforming the tourism industry – from customer engagement and booking processes right through to internal workflows. With this programme, we aim to support our member companies in providing their employees with the skills they need to adapt to these changes and actively take benefit from the opportunities offered by Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies,” says Oliver Rengelshausen, Chairman of DRV’s Digitalisation Committee.
The programme is being implemented by GFN GmbH, a well-established player in the market for publicly funded training. A modern learning framework underpins the programme, helping companies to systematically build up AI skills within their organisations.
“Providing employees with targeted training in the use of Artificial Intelligence is a key factor ensuring the competitiveness of enterprises. Together with the DRV, we are contributing our expertise to prepare the travel industry for the digital future and build sustainable skills,” emphasises Monika Wiederhold, member of the Management Board of Amadeus Fire AG.
For this purpose, an exclusive programme specifically tailored to the travel industry has been developed. “This combines personalised learning platforms, innovative learning formats and practical content specifically tailored to the daily working routines of travel professionals,” explains Nils Manegold, Managing Director of GFN, which developed the programme’s content in collaboration with corporate sister company eduBITES and will deliver the programme as a certified provider.
To introduce the partners, the programme content and explain the funding and application process, there are two information webinars scheduled for:
▪ Monday, 11ᵗʰ May from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
▪ Monday, 8ᵗʰ June from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
You can enrol for the seminars free of charge via: www.drv-seminare.de/uebersicht
About the Amadeus Fire Group:
The listed Amadeus Fire Group (ISIN: DE0005093108, Prime Standard) is a leading provider of specialised Personnel Services and professional Training in Germany. The Group supports companies and skilled workers in successfully shaping the digital transformation with a strong focus on future-oriented skills. Under the roof of the nationwide ‘Alliance of Opportunities’ initiative, the Amadeus Fire Group is driving forward the topic of AI training across all sectors and providing impulses for systematic skills development within the German economy. The Group includes, among others, GFN GmbH, an established provider of publicly funded IT training, and eduBITES GmbH, which specialises in innovative, AI-supported learning solutions and modern knowledge transfer.
https://group.amadeus-fire.de/en/
About the DRV:
The German Travel Association (DRV) is the top association representing the travel industry in Germany and represents a significant economic force. The majority of revenue in the tour operator and travel agency market is generated by DRV members. The tourism sector provides around three million jobs. With several thousand member companies – including travel agencies and tour operators, as well as numerous businesses from other tourism sectors – the DRV has been a strong community for more than 75 years, connecting and uniting diverse interests under the motto:
“The travel industry. All destinations. One voice.”
Media contacts:
DRV
Head of Communications
Thorsten Leiter
Tel.: +49 30 28 406 20
e-mail: schaefer@drv.de
Amadeus Fire Group
KC3
Mario Köpers
Tel.: +49 170 56 72 100
e-mail: mario@koepers-kc3.de