The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has released a new resource, Pathways to GSTC Destination Certification, to support destinations in navigating the process toward GSTC Destination Certification*.
As sustainability continues to gain importance across the tourism sector, many destinations are seeking guidance on how to move from intention to implementation. This document addresses that need by outlining a clear pathway that helps destinations understand the stages involved in aligning with the GSTC Destination Standard and progressing toward certification.
The resource presents certification not as a single step, but as a journey that can begin at different entry points depending on a destination’s level of maturity. It introduces key components of the process, including a strong destination management organization (DMO), stakeholder engagement, and the role of independent, third-party certification bodies. By structuring these elements into a coherent pathway, the document provides practical orientation for destination managers and policymakers working to strengthen their sustainability frameworks.
–
“Navigating sustainability can be challenging, particularly for destinations at different stages of development. This document aims to offer clarity and practical guidance, helping destinations (regardless of their size) move forward with greater confidence and structure.” Says Dr. Mihee Kang, GSTC Chief Assurance Officer.
GSTC does not certify. Sustainable certification is carried out by GSTC-accredited certification bodies. This ensures credibility, transparency, and rigor in the evaluation process, aligned with international best practices.
The Pathways to Destination Certification also reflects GSTC’s broader efforts to make sustainability more accessible and actionable for destinations of different sizes, governance structures, and levels of experience. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, the document helps destinations identify gaps, prioritize actions, and build internal capacity over time, rather than approaching certification as a one-time objective.
Ultimately, this resource aims to support destinations in strengthening their sustainability performance in a way that is measurable, credible, and aligned with global frameworks. It also reinforces the role of certification as a tool to guide continuous improvement, rather than a final endpoint.
The document is intended for destination management organizations (DMOs), public authorities, and other stakeholders involved in tourism planning and development who are seeking a clearer understanding of how to approach sustainability certification.
*Note: The term “GSTC Certification” is a shorthand for “Certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-accredited.”
