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GSTC was at the World Travel Market London, held 4-6 November 2025. This year’s conference focused on the key theme “Reimagining Travel in a Changing World,” exploring themes such as new global policies, shifting traveler behaviors, and the evolving role of sustainability in shaping the industry’s future.
Dr. Mihee Kang, GSTC Chief Assurance Officer, participated in the Sustainability Summit with a session titled “Beyond Compliance: Certification and Standards as Catalysts or Constraints?” along with colleagues:
- Tina O’Dwyer, Founder and CEO, The Tourism Space
- Claudia Bustinza, GDS-Index Lead, GDS-Movement
- Xavier Font, Professor, University of Surrey
- Nikolina Brnjac, Member of the European Parliament
- Jeremy Sampson, CEO, The Travel Foundation
Dr. Kang emphasized the importance of the GSTC Standards and Certification as a common language that helps align the tourism industry around shared principles of sustainability. She highlighted that a globally recognized framework not only ensures credibility and consistency but also allows destinations and businesses to create a more sustainable supply chain. This is achieved by encouraging their partners and suppliers to adhere to their sustainability policies clearly and consistently. The session was held on Tuesday, 4th November at the Purple Theatre.
“The GSTC Standards serve as a compass that guides us toward a more balanced and responsible form of tourism, while GSTC Certification provides the assurance that the industry is truly walking that path. Together, they cultivate a shared understanding that sustainability is not a fixed goal, but an evolving practice rooted in awareness, integrity, and collective purpose.” Said Dr. Kang.
This year, GSTC partnered with WTM London to deliver a Masterclass during WTM London in the ICC Maritime Suites, titled “Cutting Through the Noise: Your Step-by-Step to Credible Sustainability Success” on the 5th of November. Led by Dr. Mihee Kang and Michelle Janke, the workshop explored the GSTC Standards portfolio, which now covers hotels, tour operators, destinations, MICE, attractions, and F&B providers. GSTC experts also explained ISO-aligned assurance frameworks to help the tourism industry choose credible and rigorous certification programs.
“Co-leading the Masterclass was a truly enriching experience, not just for the exchange of ideas, but for the shared commitment to make sustainability tangible and actionable. It’s inspiring to see professionals from different parts of the world connecting their daily work with a deeper purpose. When we learn together, we strengthen our collective capacity to create positive change,” mentioned Mrs. Janke.
The masterclass counted with the testimony of Hemal Jain, General Manager of the Mandarin Oriental London, who shared the hotel’s journey toward becoming a GSTC-certified property.
