The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is announcing the launch of a new training course specifically designed to support destinations in their journey toward sustainable tourism: the GSTC Destination Stewardship Course (DSC).
The GSTC has developed the Destination Stewardship Course as a comprehensive, self-paced training course that provides tourism professionals working at the destination level with the essential knowledge and tools to apply the GSTC Destination Standard effectively.
The course has been carefully crafted for government officials, tourism boards, destination management organizations (DMOs), consultants, and other stakeholders involved in destination planning, development, and stewardship. It offers a deep dive into the principles of sustainable tourism, exploring how destinations can manage tourism in a way that maximizes benefits for local communities and the environment while ensuring a quality experience for visitors.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of what sustainable destination management looks like in practice. The course covers key themes such as governance, community engagement, environmental protection, cultural heritage conservation, and the socio-economic aspects of tourism. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge, real-world examples, and practical applications, learners will build the competencies needed to lead or support destination stewardship efforts aligned with the GSTC Destination Standard.
The self-study format offers maximum flexibility, allowing participants to engage with the content at their own pace and on their own schedule. The course includes a variety of learning materials, such as recorded video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, and case studies, to ensure a dynamic and engaging learning experience. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a certificate of completion from the GSTC, demonstrating their understanding of sustainable destination management principles.
Whether a destination is just beginning its sustainability journey or looking to strengthen its existing efforts, the new GSTC Destination Stewardship Course (DSC) offers valuable guidance.
“We are proud to announce the launch of our new online, self-paced, GSTC Destination Stewardship Course, created to inspire and guide those working to protect the places we call home. This course is more than a learning journey; it’s a call to action for destinations to lead with heart, purpose, and a deep commitment to balancing the needs of the visitors and the residents”, commented Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
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The Sustainable Tourism Training Program offers several courses delivered through online and in-person formats. All courses are available for private groups and can be customized. For more information, contact us at training@gstc.org.
