The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and QueerVadis join forces to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion as an essential component of social sustainability, fostering a global tourism industry that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with QueerVadis in November 2025 to support the integration of LGBTQ+ inclusion within the social dimension of sustainable tourism. The agreement established a non-commercial collaboration focused on knowledge exchange, sectoral awareness, and joint opportunities related to inclusive and socially responsible tourism practices.
Diversity and inclusion play a fundamental role in reinforcing the social dimension of sustainable tourism. Such approaches help ensure that tourism environments are respectful, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all individuals, including those from historically underrepresented groups. By integrating these principles into policies, training, and operational practices, organizations strengthen fair participation, reduce barriers, and contribute to more resilient and socially responsible tourism systems.
The MoU allows both parties to collaborate on educational initiatives such as webinars, panel discussions, case studies, and training activities that address the role of diversity, equality, and inclusion in sustainable tourism. They may also explore opportunities to jointly develop publications or non-commercial guidance materials.
The MoU clarifies that the partnership does not imply equivalency, endorsement, accreditation, or recognition between the GSTC Standards and the QueerVadis Certification Protocol.
About QueerVadis
QueerVadis manages the QueerVadis Certification Protocol, the first international program to certify the welcoming reception of LGBTQ+ travelers. It is a protocol with defined guidelines for inclusive hospitality, globally acknowledged thanks to a verification process entrusted to the authority of RINA, which guarantees its application.
QueerVadis was founded by Sonders and Beach, who have been committed to the LGBTQ+ tourism segment for twenty years. Its CEO, Alessio Virgili, is the President of the ELTA (European LGBTQ+ Travel Alliance).
Sonders & Beach organizes the IGLTA convention in Italy, and is the creator of the first sector tour operator in Italy, Quiiky, and the first dedicated fair (Expo Turismo Gay).
Through ELTA, the European States General of LGBTQ+ Tourism QueerVadis provides a comprehensive, international focus on this tourism segment every year.
About 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, the GSTC Hotel Standard for hotels and accommodations, the GSTC Tour Operator Standard, the 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, as well as an Association Member of The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and an Associate Member with the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC).
Information for media and the press: www.gstc.org/about/for-the-press/
