GSTC will be present at ITB Berlin 2026 (March 3rd-5th), with a dedicated area for the GSTC secretariat and GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies at Hall 4.1 (Responsible Tourism).
In addition to the physical exhibition area, GSTC representatives will share insights through the following talks.
Roi Ariel, GSTC General Manager, will give a keynote presentation about ‘Sustainable Tourism with Local Communities.’
In his session, Mr. Ariel will explore how local communities form the heart of authentic tourism experiences, yet overtourism and cultural disconnects pose significant risks to their well-being. Exploring strategies for immersive tourism that prioritize deep community engagement, cultural preservation, and equitable benefit-sharing. Attendees will discover how GSTC Standards empower tourism operators and destinations to co-create experiences with locals, fostering resilience and genuine connections while driving economic inclusion. This dialogue calls on industry leaders to embrace community-led models, transforming tourism into a force for empowerment and sustainability. For those in attendance, there will be an opportunity to win three (3) seats at the GSTC Tour Operators Course (online).
Also, we invite you to join Estefanía del Azar, GSTC Communication Manager, in her interactive session titled ‘The Power of Communicating Sustainability Through Storytelling’. Where she will talk about how storytelling plays a key role in how sustainability is communicated and understood. Beyond facts and data, stories help audiences connect with values, people, and places. In this session, Mrs. del Azar will delve into how destinations and hotels are using the power of storytelling to communicate their sustainability efforts to a broader audience. From destinations that share how tourism helps preserve local culture and traditions, to hotels that showcase the people and values driving their sustainability efforts, these stories demonstrate how authentic communication can build credibility and foster genuine emotional connection. Through real examples, participants will have the opportunity to learn how storytelling can make sustainability communication more relatable and effective, highlighting the need to engage audiences authentically in today’s hyper-connected landscape.
Michelle Janke, GSTC Regional Director for Europe, will also present ‘Caring for Dark Skies’. Dark skies represent a fragile natural asset threatened by light pollution, impacting wildlife, cultural heritage, and astrotourism potential. This session will rely on the GSTC Destination Standard’s criterion D12, which requires guidelines and regulations to minimize light and noise pollution, encouraging tourism enterprises to adopt dark-sky-friendly practices. This session explores how destinations can leverage these standards to protect pristine night environments, boost sustainable economic opportunities, such as stargazing experiences, and foster community stewardship. Industry leaders are invited to commit to dark-sky preservation, ensuring that tourism enhances rather than erodes this irreplaceable resource. Those attending the session will be eligible to win three seats in the online GSTC Destination Stewardship Course.
We invite tourism stakeholders to join these sessions and connect with GSTC through GSTC’s Stand at ITB Berlin, Hall 4.1 — Responsible Tourism Hall. If you are interested in setting up a meeting with GSTC representatives, kindly write to info[@]gstc.org with ‘ITB Berlin 2026 Meeting Proposal’ as the subject of the email.
Click here to get your ticket for ITB Berlin 2026.
