GSTC Auditor Training in Japan Date: June 23-25, 2025 Location: Tokyo, Japan Venue: JTB Building (11th Floor, 2-3-11 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-8602) Language: English (Partial translation to Japanese may be provided.) Scope: GSTC Industry Criteria for Hotel and Tour operator *GSTC Auditor Training involves 3-days training class followed by two tests. In the GSTC [...]
Destination Asia has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Destination Asia is a leading DMC based in Asia, currently operating across nine countries in Asia, with 17 operational offices across the network. With business divisions covering leisure travel, MICE and cruise, Destination Asia states it remains committed to ethical [...]
The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Online Course, held from March 24 to April 4, 2025, brought together professionals from the Bahamas to enhance their knowledge of sustainable tourism practices and explore practical strategies for implementation. Guided by GSTC Trainer CB Ramkumar and Co-trainer Michelle Janke, the course unfolded as an engaging journey into sustainable tourism. [...]
GSTC renames its global standards from ‘GSTC Criteria’ to ‘GSTC Standards’ to enhance clarity and alignment with international terminology. "Our founders named these standards the ‘GSTC Criteria’ to distinguish them as globally managed standards from other sustainable tourism standards. However, that name led some stakeholders to believe they were something other than standards. Our Board [...]
The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course, sponsored by Kobe University, was held with the participation of local and external tourism stakeholders and students from the Graduate School of Intercultural Studies at Kobe University. The course took place from March 18th to 20th, 2025, in Kannabe Kougen, located in Toyooka City, Hyogo, a region [...]
Rosewood Hotel Group has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Rosewood Hotel Group is a leading global lifestyle and hospitality management group. It encompasses four brands: ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotels & Resorts; upper-upscale New World Hotels & Resorts; Asaya, an integrated well-being concept; and Carlyle & Co., a modern and [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that TÜV Rheinland, through its China office, has gained the GSTC-accredited Certification Body status with the scope of certifying hotels/accommodations to GSTC Hotel Criteria with worldwide geographical area.TÜV Rheinland is an international provider of technical services for testing, inspection, certification, consultation, and training. The company [...]
The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course, sponsored by Towada Travel for both its employees and local business operators, was held from March 20 to 22, 2025, in Towada, Aomori, Japan. Led by GSTC Trainer Kazuhiro Arai, Representative of Daisetsuzan Nature School, the training provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the GSTC Standards and sustainable [...]
The first GSTC Sustainable MICE Online Course took place from March 17 to March 30, 2025, bringing together professionals from across the globe to explore how sustainability can be effectively integrated into the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. The course was led by GSTC Trainers Stephanie Lee and Julia Spangler, who shared [...]
CLIA Cruise Week, including the fourth edition of the European Summit, brought together the cruise industry’s most senior cruise line leaders, policymakers, business partners, and suppliers to discuss the future of the industry. The European Summit has established itself as the platform for the cruise community to share its vision for [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) participated in the 14th Annual Meeting of HAPCO & DES, held on March 10-11, 2025, at the Megaron Athens International Conference Center, in Athens, Greece. The event addressed the evolving landscape of the meetings and hospitality industry, emphasizing adaptability and innovation. Discussions included repositioning Greece as a meetings destination, [...]
GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program in 2025 with Wise Steps Consulting Dates Course ID Location / Format Trainer(s) Time Language Price Register April 16–17, 2025 ST-2504-Jakarta Jakarta/Onsite Mochamad Nalendra TBC Bahasa Indonesia Starting at USD 391 June 30-July 25, 2025 ST-2506-Batch4 Online Mochamad Nalendra 9 live sessions/ Time: 7:00 PM (WIB / UTC+7) [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has revised the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies - Destination (hereafter, the Destination Accreditation Manual) and was approved on March 26, 2025. The manual is available on the GSTC Accreditation Documents webpage. Given the dynamic nature of the tourism industry, periodic updates and revisions to the certification [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has unveiled a new self-assessment tool designed specifically for destinations seeking to measure and enhance their sustainable tourism practices. The tool offers a simple yet effective way for destination to evaluate their progress across the four pillars of the GSTC Destination Criteria: Sustainable Management: This section encourages destinations [...]
Sustainable travel is no longer just an ethical choice – it’s a business imperative and a rising opportunity in the global tourism industry. In Asia Pacific (APAC), where travel habits are as diverse as the region itself, this opportunity comes with unique challenges and responsibilities. Recent research estimates that the global sustainable tourism market [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) participated in the 20th Green & Blue Tourism Forum during ITB Berlin 2025, held from March 4–6. As part of the event, Dr. Ioannis Pappas, GSTC Director for the Mediterranean Region, delivered a keynote presentation focused on sustainable coastal and maritime tourism. The session explored strategies for integrating [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that TÜV AUSTRIA TURK has gained the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body status with the scope of certifying hotels/accommodations to GSTC Hotel Criteria.TÜV AUSTRIA TURK, part of the TÜV AUSTRIA Group, provides certification, inspection, testing, and training services. Operating in Turkey since 2005 and institutionalized in [...]
The GSTC participated in the MICE Intelligence & Innovation Summit 2025, held on March 4th at the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel in Thailand. The Summit focused on the role of sustainability in shaping the future of the meetings and events industry. Randy Durband, GSTC CEO, delivered a keynote on the Vision Stage, titled “Destination [...]
GSTC was present at the IAAPA APAC Sustainability Summit, held on the 13th and 14th of March 2025 in Singapore. The two-day, in-person event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability advocates. It featured discussions, expert insights, and networking opportunities focused on advancing sustainable practices in the attractions sector. Dr. [...]
The ‘March Lunch and Learn’ event, hosted by the Canmore Hotel & Lodging Association, focused on collaborative efforts to advance regenerative tourism in Canmore and Kananaskis. Located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, the region is known for its natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. The event provided an opportunity for [...]
