The GSTC Sustainable Tour Operator Course (TOC), in collaboration with Virgin Voyages (VV) for its partners, fulfilled a comprehensive and impactful run from January 2024 to December 2025. This online, complimentary course was provided to Virgin Voyages’ diverse portfolio of tour operators in an effort to create positive social and environmental benefits in the communities where they operate.
As a branded version of the GSTC training, this course integrated Virgin Voyages’ sustainable vision, strategies, and code of conduct into the standard TOC content. The program included a kick-off meeting with Virgin Voyages’ team, GSTC Trainers, and Randy Durband, GSTC CEO, to introduce the roadmap to tour operator partners of Virgin Voyages. Participants then progressed through a self-study course that included self-assessments and had the opportunity to engage in both live and written Q&A sessions with trainers. They discussed practical and sustainable approaches with trainers and tour operators from other regions, and the peer learning facilitated by trainers received positive feedback.
Sarah Dwyer, Sustainability Programs Manager for Virgin Voyages said, “Our brand purpose is to “Create an Epic Sea Change for All,” by changing sailing for good and creating a positive impact on people and on our planet. Responsible and ethical operations serve as the foundation of our brand. Provided by our dedicated partners, our shore excursions – what we call Shore Things – are an extension of who we are, and the core values we uphold.”
She continues, “In partnership with GSTC, we equipped our tour operator portfolio with the Sustainable Tour Operator training in the effort to catalyze responsible tourism practices. Through live Q&A sessions, peer-to-peer discussions, interactive resources and case studies, our tour operators gained insight on how sustainable tourism efforts can create a ripple effect of positive benefits for their operations, community, environment, and people. I wanted to give a special thank you to the GSTC Team for making this course insightful, immersive, and valuable for our portfolio.”
Virgin Voyages’ Shore Excursions Manager Lee Kayley adds, “Our partnership with the GSTC has elevated our shore excursions by giving our tour operators the hands-on tools and best practices they need to drive positive change in every community we visit. By completing this rigorous sustainability training, our operators deepen their commitment to Virgin Voyages’ standards and deliver experiences that protect local cultures and ecosystems. Ultimately, GSTC certification reinforces our Tour Operator Code of Conduct and ensures that every excursion leaves a lasting, beneficial impact.”
Two separate Q&A sessions were held to accommodate different regions: one for the US/Caribbean region and another for the Europe/Asia region. The sessions were led by GSTC Trainers, Kingston Khoo and Kathleen Pittman, who shared their expertise and knowledge to guide participants through the core concepts and best practices of sustainable tourism.
“Tour operators are on the front lines of protecting destinations through responsible tourism management. One of the most inspiring aspects of GSTC trainings — especially live sessions — are the collaborative discussion and peer-to-peer sharing of examples and tips. We applaud Virgin Voyages for bringing its shore excursion providers together to learn from GSTC and from each other. We also appreciate the tour operators for their commitment and insights,” comments GSTC trainer, Kathleen Pittman.
GSTC trainer, Kingston Khoo adds, « Shore excursion operators play a vital role in ensuring a memorable cruise experience, and it’s encouraging to see Virgin Voyages include them in their sustainability journey. Their investment in supporting tour operators through this GSTC Training is commendable. Kudos to Virgin Voyages and to all the dedicated operators who took part. »
This collaborative training effort marks a long-standing commitment by Virgin Voyages to embed sustainability across its tour operations. The brand works to empower its partners with global best practices – aligned with the GSTC Standards (known previously as GSTC Criteria) – which serve as the global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism.
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, 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/
About Virgin Voyages
Promising to Create an Epic Sea Change for All, Virgin Voyages is the award-winning, exclusively adult cruise line founded by Sir Richard Branson. Delivering unforgettable, relaxing vacations at sea, Virgin Voyages launched at the end of 2021. Inspired by superyacht design, its fleet of Lady Ships exemplify an elevated, boutique hotel at sea with contemporary spaces that strike the perfect balance of nautical chic and glamour. Currently departing from the sun-soaked cities of Miami, Barcelona, Athens and San Juan, the fleet offers more than 60 unique itineraries, sailing to 150+ incredible ports of call. On-board, 20+ eateries feature culinary experiences from Michelin-star chefs, stylish workout spaces and group fitness classes are offered daily, and a festival-like line-up of intimate and larger-than-life shows are on the agenda. Paired with modern, tech-savvy cabins, designer suites fit for a rockstar and a mermaid-inspired spa and thermal suite, the brand is taking the industry by storm. In both 2023 and 2024, Virgin Voyages won top honors in Condé Nast Traveler’s and Travel + Leisure’s highly coveted Readers’ Choice Awards and World’s Best Awards for the best large- and mega-ship ocean cruise line.
