Randy Durband, GSTC CEO, was recently interviewed by Nikos Diamantopoulos, General Manager of Marketing Greece, to share insights on the role of sustainability standards in shaping the future of tourism. During the conversation, Mr. Durband described how the GSTC Standards are developed through an incredibly inclusive process (previously known as GSTC Criteria), serving as [...]
The Independent's Climate 100 List is a prestigious recognition of the extraordinary individuals at the forefront of the global fight against climate change, showcasing unparalleled innovation, unwavering commitment, and transformative leadership that inspire a more sustainable future for all. GSTC CEO Randy Durband is present on the list and was invited to attend The [...]
From reducing carbon footprint to seeking more meaningful and impactful personal and societal experiences, ITB’s Transformational Travel programme highlights the importance of this conscious evolution in future-proofing travel and tourism. The program explores the technological and innovative advances revolutionizing the sector and showcases tourism boards prioritizing sustainable and responsible tourism. GSTC CEO, Randy Durband [...]
Views of sustainability are evolving for the better in the travel and tourism industry, but Randy Durband, CEO of Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) says there is still room for improvement. Since the start of GSTC’s work in 2007, has the travel and tourism community changed the way it regards sustainable tourism concepts? Indeed, [...]
14 experts shared their view "Will the next 50 years bring the Great Decoupling or the Great Collapse?" [1] All bets are on the former when economies thrive decoupled from greenhouse gas emission. Decoupling must equally occur between societal development and biocapacity. The hotel sector has developed many sustainability and ESG approaches to chart [...]
GSTC CEO, Randy Durband spoke at The Standard Podcast in the episode ‘Sustainable travel: How to choose a more sustainable destination’ last November 2023. Where he discussed along with journalists Jon Weeks and Juliet Kinsman, about the important need to 'speak up' and challenge hotels on their eco-credentials, and food waste, on how much [...]
"To find a destination that’s officially certified as taking sustainability issues seriously, visit the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) website." Read the full article: How to be an eco-traveller (and still have it all) by By Suzanne King on Skyscanner (February 4, 2019) Confused about the terms "certification", "recognition", "accreditation"? Watch this short video.
TTG Asia Editor's Pick: Where is sustainability in travel & tourism headed? - by Randy Durband, GSTC CEO What is sustainable tourism? How sustainable is travel and tourism? I’m asked these questions constantly in my leadership role at Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). To the first, our view at GSTC is that “sustainability is a [...]
"With tourism arrivals tripling over the past two decades, the region has reached a tipping point in terms of its ability to prevent popular destinations from being ruined But wherever tourism is developed, it is critical to preserve both natural resources and local culture, says Mr Randy Durband, GSTC CEO." Read the full article: Loved [...]
"Look for seals of approval from Global Sustainable Tourism Council, The Long Run, and Rainforest Alliance; all of these groups factor energy and water use, as well as sustainability and improving the livelihoods of local people. " Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, emphasizes the importance of choosing accredited accommodations and operators. “Certification equals [...]
"Today, tourism is second only to hydropower in terms of revenue. Happily, the demand for guides and drivers creates employment and provides income opportunities via the sale of handicrafts, etc. Moreover, US$65 of the US$250 fee goes to the government who in reinvest it into free education and healthcare for citizens. But some are [...]
"The diverse players of the travel and tourism industry have shown very mixed efforts in trying to “do the right things” for the environment and people, and have had very mixed results. That’s why effective use of universal standards for sustainability is essential. Some of the most prominent guidelines are for global hotel operations, [...]
