Aseer Development Authority joins GSTC

Aseer Development Authority has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Aseer is a region in southwestern Saudi Arabia, known for its elevated landscapes and distinct seasonal climate. It features national parks, terraced farms, and heritage villages that reflect the area’s long-standing traditions. Abha, the regional capital, serves as a cultural hub with museums, art centers, and festivals.

Aseer is home to a diverse natural and cultural landscape, containing 60% of Saudi Arabia’s forests, a 125-kilometer coastline, and more than 4,000 cultural and heritage villages.

On April 23, 2025, during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, the membership agreement was formalized between the Aseer Development Authority and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The signing was conducted by Hashim Al-Dabbagh, CEO of the Aseer Development Authority, and Randy Durband, CEO of the GSTC.

Sustainability Commitment

The Aseer Development Authority has outlined a series of initiatives across four main areas: Planet, Governance, Prosperity, and People. These are aimed at preserving natural surroundings for future generations, improving efficiency, creating economic opportunities, strengthening social connections, and cultural values to support long-term development, amongst others.

The Aseer Development Authority states that it aims to develop a unique and sustainable tourism model, which includes increasing green spaces by 30%, protecting wildlife, and promoting the use of eco-friendly materials in its projects. They also indicate that the region targets reaching 9.1 million visits annually by 2030, creating 94,000 new jobs, and contributing approximately 26 billion Saudi Riyals to the GDP, in alignment with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for tourism sector development.

Commenting on this step, Hashim Al-Dabbagh said: “We strive at the Aseer Development Authority to establish the region as a global destination for sustainable tourism by enhancing the tourism experience, supporting local economic growth, and protecting Aseer’s unique natural and cultural heritage. Our membership in the GSTC reflects our commitment to applying the best international standards in responsible and sustainable tourism.”

Upcoming Training Program to Support Hotels in Achieving GSTC Certification

The Aseer Development Authority will soon launch a comprehensive training program guiding hotels towards improvement and preparing them for the requirements to obtain GSTC Certification* within a specified timeframe. The training will feature three intensive courses scheduled for 2025, delivered by Nastadeem, GSTC’s official training partner for the Arab region.

GSTC Welcomes Aseer Development Authority

Mr. Randy Durband, CEO of the GSTC, expressed his happiness with the partnership, saying: “We welcome Aseer’s membership in the GSTC and congratulate it on its commitment to developing sustainable tourism in this unique destination. We hope and expect that it will benefit from the comprehensive approach to applying GSTC Standards in its management and the management of the tourism sector in Aseer.”

About Aseer Development Authority

The Aseer Region Development Authority works to achieve integrated, regional development by facilitating coordination among stakeholders and overseeing the implementation of infrastructure projects across the region. Its vision is to establish the Asir region as a year-round global destination, recognized for its authentic cultural heritage and diverse natural environment.

To learn more about Aseer and its tourist attractions, please visit www.discoveraseer.com.

About the GSTC

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, the GSTC Standards, also known as the GSTC Criteria. The GSTC Destination Standard for public policy-makers and destination managers, GSTC Hotel Standard & GSTC Tour Operator Standard, GSTC MICE Standard for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions, and the GSTC Attraction Standard for tourist attractions such as theme parks, museums, and national parks. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC Standards form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services but provides accreditation to those that do.

GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism. The GSTC is an ISEAL Community Member, a global membership organization for ambitious, collaborative, and transparent sustainability systems.

Information for media and the press: www.gstc.org/about/for-the-press/

Statements expressed in this announcement are presented for informational purposes only and should not be taken as an endorsement or recommendation by GSTC, unless clearly stated.

*The term “GSTC Certification” is a shorthand for “Certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-Accredited.”