The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has published a revised version 5.0 of the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies – Hotel/Accommodation, Tour Operator, MICE, and Attraction. This version reflects the expansion of accreditation scopes to include MICE (covering venues, event organizers, and events/exhibitions) and Attraction certification.
The revised Manual was approved on March 1, 2026, and it serves as the successor to Version 4.1. The updated document is available on the following webpage: GSTC Accreditation Documents.
Acknowledging the evolving tourism landscape and the growing importance of diversified industry segments, GSTC initiated a revision process to incorporate accreditation requirements for the newly introduced MICE and Attraction certification scopes. A public consultation was conducted for 100 days from August 1 to November 10, 2025, during which GSTC received valuable input from a broad range of stakeholders, including GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies and representatives from the MICE and Attraction sectors.
During this period, feedback was primarily sought on the newly introduced requirements for the MICE and Attraction scopes. Final comments on the Manual as a whole were subsequently received from GSTC-accredited certification bodies in January 2026.
The main updates introduced in Accreditation Manual v5.0 include:
Key Changes in version 5.0
- Inclusion of Certification of MICE and Attraction Scopes
Introduction of accreditation requirements and scope-specific provisions for Certification Bodies seeking accreditation for MICE and Attraction certification. - Shift to Indicator-Based Compliance Verification
- Clarification that certification assessments shall verify compliance at the indicator level of the GSTC Standards, ensuring a more structured and consistent approach to conformity assessment.
- Clarification of Audit Execution Requirements
- Clarified provisions related to audit implementation, including how to determine audit duration and conduct surveillance audits for both single-site and multi-site certification arrangements.
- Refinements to Auditor Qualification Requirements
Clarification and extension of competence requirements aligned with the characteristics of the new industry scopes. - Editorial Improvements and Structural Alignment
Minor wording revisions and structural adjustments to enhance clarity, consistency, and cross-referencing throughout the Manual.
A detailed Change Report summarizing the modifications introduced in version 5.0 will be published shortly on the GSTC Accreditation Documents page. This report will provide transparency regarding the revision process and outline the rationale behind the updates.
The revised Accreditation Manual v5.0 will come into effect on March 5, 2026, with a six (6)-month transition period. During this time, the new manual will be gradually integrated into the planned assessment process. For more detailed information on the transition requirements, please refer to the “Transition Requirements on the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies-Industry: Hotel/Accommodation, Tour Operator, MICE, and Attraction v.5.0”.
NOTE: Certification for the Hotel and Tour Operator using the GSTC Standard Version 4.0 (December 2025) is subject to a separate three (3) year transition period for full implementation. Further details are provided in the “Transition Planning Guidance for the GSTC Hotel and Tour Operator Standards version 4.0”
GSTC would like to thank all stakeholders who contributed their expertise and feedback during the revision process. The continued collaboration of the industry remains essential to maintaining the credibility, relevance, and integrity of GSTC-accredited certification worldwide.
Learn more about Accreditation for Certification Bodies to Certify to the GSTC Standard or to a GSTC-Recognized Standard here.
