In August 2024, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), in partnership with the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), announced its plans to expand the GSTC Standards, the global standards for sustainable tourism, by developing a new set specifically for tourism-related food service providers. This forthcoming set, with an official name to be determined, will establish global sustainability standards tailored to the unique needs of food and beverage service providers within the tourism industry.
The first Public Consultation for the GSTC Standards for Food & Beverage Service Providers in Tourism was held from January 3rd to March 3rd, 2025. During this 60-day period, professionals and practitioners in the food and beverage (F&B) sector were invited to review the draft and share their insights. The feedback received from the public consultation phases is instrumental in refining the Standards and ensuring their global relevance and applicability.
The Feasibility Assessment of the GSTC Standards for Food & Beverage Service Providers concluded on May 12th, 2025. During this period, stakeholders from across the food & beverage (F&B) sector were invited to examine the draft standard and evaluate the relevance, measurability, and clarity of each proposed criterion and indicator. The feedback collected helped inform the updated version now available for this second public consultation.
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The GSTC Standard for Food & Beverage Service Providers in Tourism includes four sections: Section A (Demonstrate effective sustainable management); Section B (Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community and minimize negative impacts); Section C (Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative impacts) and Section D (Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts). The draft of the new Standard can be found here.
With the development of the new Standard, the GSTC will introduce a new training program focused on sustainability in restaurants and tourism food service providers, expanding its renowned Sustainable Tourism Training Program.
“We invite all stakeholders, from food and beverage professionals to hospitality leaders, to take part in this second public consultation of the GSTC Food & Beverage Standard. Establishing clear and effective guidance for sustainable practices in the F&B sector requires collective expertise and diverse perspectives. Your input is essential to shape a standard that drives progress and inspires meaningful transformation across the industry,” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
We also welcome your support in raising awareness. Feel free to pass this invitation along to colleagues or contacts involved in the food and beverage sector within tourism, whether they are restaurant owners, café managers, catering professionals, hospitality F&B teams, chefs, event organizers, policymakers, researchers, non-profit representatives, local community members, or even individual travelers with a strong interest in sustainable food practices. Every voice adds value to the process.
To learn more about GSTC Standards Development, Feedback, and Revision, please check this page.
