The GSTC Sustainable Hospitality Course was successfully delivered onsite in Malta in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). The course took place from 27 to 28 October 2025 and brought together 78 participants from across the tourism sector.
Led by Ioannis Pappas, GSTC Trainer and Regional Director for Europe, focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of the GSTC Standards and their practical application within the Maltese tourism context. The sessions combined technical content with open discussion, allowing participants to explore how sustainability principles can be integrated into policy development, tourism operations, and destination management.
On the first day of the program, Randy Durband, GSTC CEO, participated in a panel discussion moderated by Kevin Fsadni, Director of Product Development at Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). The panel also included Andrew Agius Muscat, CEO of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, and Abigail Cutajar, CEO of Malta’s Climate Action Authority (CAA). The discussion addressed the role of governance, industry leadership, and collaboration between public and private stakeholders in advancing sustainable tourism development.
There was also a dedicated session led by Thomas Loughlin, Program Manager – Sustainability at Booking.com, who shared insights on the role of online travel agencies and the relationship between OTAs and certification schemes, highlighting their growing relevance in supporting sustainability commitments within the tourism industry.
The course concluded with an exchange of perspectives among participants, reflecting on current practices, shared challenges, and opportunities to strengthen national tourism strategies.
A short video summary capturing key moments from the training can be seen below:
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All courses are available for private groups and can be customized accordingly. For more information, contact us at training[@]gstc.org
