Abstract Teaching and learning methods play an important role in promoting sustainability in tourism education. However, previous studies mainly focus on sustainability in tourism. This qualitative survey provides an overview of how sustainable development and tourism education are taught and learned in higher education institutions. It aims to support the selection of teaching and learning approaches and methods for educating sustainability-driven tourism at universities. The materials were selected based on keywords in tourism education. The study describes 32 articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals from 2000 to 2022. The content of the articles was analyzed in detail using qualitative content analysis. Collaborative and interdisciplinary learning and case study teaching, alongside problem-based learning and experiential learning (outdoor learning), were utilized in 10 and 6 articles, respectively. Developing collaborative and interdisciplinary learning skills, developing systems thinking skills, developing experiential learning skills, and developing techniques for increasing environmental awareness were the key points of teaching and learning methods to promote sustainability in tourism education. Behavioral Change Wheel (BCW) in tourism should be implemented in school education to reach sustainable development goals and to support sustainable development.