The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that GCL International Ltd has gained the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body status with the scope of certifying hotels/accommodations to GSTC Hotel Criteria. Operating from its base in central London, United Kingdom, GCL International Ltd manages a network of overseas offices in 5 continents, serving over [...]
SLOVAKIA TRAVEL has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Located in Central Europe, Slovakia is known for its landscapes and cultural heritage. With mountain ranges such as the High Tatras and extensive cave systems, including UNESCO-listed sites like the Slovak Karst, the country offers a mix of natural and [...]
Turismo Lanzarote has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Located in the Canary Islands, Spain, Lanzarote is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its volcanic landscapes and distinct geological formations. From the lava fields of Timanfaya National Park to the traditional architecture influenced by César Manrique, Lanzarote combines natural [...]
Okinawa Prefecture sponsored the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training for their employees in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The training was held from the 22nd to the 24th of February, 2025. It was led by GSTC Trainer Kazuhiro Arai, Representative of Daisetsuzan Nature School, who shared his expertise with practical examples and valuable insights. [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that Alberk QA Technic has gained the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body status with the scope of certifying hotels/accommodations to GSTC Hotel Criteria. Alberk QA Technic states in its mission that beyond providing certification, inspection, training, testing, and calibration services, it upholds impartiality principles, ensuring its [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is proud to announce the launch of its new training course tailored specifically for Tour Operators (TOs). The new GSTC Sustainable Tour Operator Course (TOC) is designed to equip professionals in the field with the knowledge and tools to implement the GSTC Tour Operator Criteria effectively. This comprehensive [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) announced last year the third revision of the GSTC Industry Criteria after announcing version 3 in 2016. The first and second public consultations have been accomplished as set in the Terms of Reference. We are now extending an invitation to all stakeholders in the industry to engage in [...]
The GSTC Sustainable Hospitality Course organized by Ascott at their global training center, ACE, in Singapore, concluded successfully. Held between February 19 and 21, 2025, with a total of 16 participants, the course aimed to strengthen understanding and application of the GSTC Hotel Criteria, the global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. Delivered [...]
[From left to right: Silvia Rial, Corporate and Sectoral Sustainability Manager at the UN Global Compact Spain, Oswaldo Betancort, President of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Luigi Cabrini, Chair of GSTC and Héctor Fernández, CEO of the Lanzarote Society for External Promotion.] Epicentro Lanzarote, a two-day event dedicated to advancing sustainable tourism awareness at [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) held a workshop for its Japan members in Tokyo on February 6th, 2025. The event, organized in collaboration with Rakuten Travel, took place at the Rakuten Crimson House Headquarters. The workshop provided a platform for GSTC Japan Members to engage in interactive sessions, discussions, and presentations focusing on [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) participated in the Destination Europe Summit 2025, held the 6th of February 2025 in Brussels organized by the European Travel Commission (ETC), with Booking.com as Lead Partner. The event brought together tourism professionals, policymakers, and sustainability experts to discuss key trends and challenges shaping the future of tourism [...]
Internova Travel Group has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world and manages leisure, business, and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) collaborates with the Lanzarote Society for External Promotion (SPEL - Turismo Lanzarote) and the UN Global Compact Spain to launch "Epicentro Lanzarote," a two-day gathering aiming to enhance regional awareness of sustainable tourism practices. Located in the Canary Islands, Spain, Lanzarote is renowned for its unique volcanic landscapes [...]
GSTC will be present at ITB Berlin 2025. Under the motto "The world of travel lives here," ITB Berlin 2025 expects exhibitors and trade visitors from all over the world at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from March 4th to 6th, 2025. Roi Ariel, GSTC General Manager, will give a keynote presentation about Promoting Sustainable [...]
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is based on a mutual interest to advance a more resilient and sustainable travel and tourism industry through collaborative activities. These initiatives include the exchange of information, joint outreach efforts, and coordinated events [...]
Destination Stewardship Report September - December 2024 (Volume 5, Issue 2) The Destination Stewardship Report is a collaboration between the Destination Stewardship Center, Center for Responsible Travel, and Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Our goal is to provide practical information and insights useful to anyone whose work or interests involve improving destination stewardship in a post-pandemic [...]
The ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025 is being held under the theme ‘Unity in motion - Shaping ASEAN’s Tourism Tomorrow” from the 15th to the 20th of January 2025, at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, in Johor, Malaysia. GSTC CEO, Randy Durband participated in the session titled “Charting Tourism for ASEAN: Trends Defining the [...]
Overview GSTC has developed a credible assurance program for hotels, tour operators, and destinations and has been extending it to MICE and Attractions. The growth of the GSTC Assurance Program requires qualified senior managers with deep knowledge and experience in accreditation. See the GSTC Accreditation Senior Manager Job Description for full details. Roles & [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) participated in the International MICE Summit (IMS) held in Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 15 to 17, 2024. The Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority (SCEGA) hosted the event. With a three-day interactive program that featured plenary sessions, panel [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is proud to announce the launch of its new training program tailored specifically for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector. This milestone follows the publication of the GSTC MICE Criteria last year, marking a significant step in promoting sustainable practices across events globally. The new GSTC [...]
