In December 2025, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) signed a Training Partnership Agreement with the Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Council (ISTC), marking a new step forward in expanding access to sustainability training across Indonesia.
ISTC, a quasi-governmental institution established by Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, leads national efforts to advance sustainable tourism through policy coordination, destination development, observatories, industry engagement, and responsible tourism management.
Through this agreement, ISTC will serve as an operating and promotional partner of GSTC’s Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP), helping build national capacity and strengthening the adoption of the GSTC Standards (formerly known as the GSTC Criteria) across the country.
As part of the partnership, ISTC will facilitate the delivery of GSTC’s official courses in Indonesia, including the Sustainable Tourism Course, Sustainable Hospitality Course, Tour Operator Course, and Destination Stewardship Course, delivered by GSTC-authorized trainers within ISTC. Training may be offered onsite, online, or through hybrid formats, ensuring broad accessibility for tourism professionals and students.
“Collaboration with an eminent organization such as GSTC serves to strengthen Indonesia’s profound commitment to the implementation of the sustainable tourism agenda across the country. It is important for Indonesia to share these principles with as many stakeholders as possible, not only through knowledge-sharing, but also as a practical tool.”, said Dr. Mari Elka Pangestu, as Chair of ISTC. “With the GSTC Standards, ISTC will be able to equip tourism professionals, tourism leaders, and local champions to become sustainable tourism agents of change in their respective destinations throughout Indonesia,” added Dr. Frans Teguh, Secretary of ISTC.
ISTC will also translate the GSTC Standards and selected course materials into Bahasa Indonesia, further supporting the dissemination and practical application of global sustainability principles at the local level.
The GSTC collaborates with partner organizations in various regions worldwide that support the GSTC’s mission to promote sustainable tourism knowledge and practices. These training partners work with authorized GSTC trainers to offer the official GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) curriculum on behalf of the GSTC. Learn more here.
