The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce its Zero Tolerance Policy to address critical issues impacting the tourism industry, including child labor, human exploitation, discrimination, wildlife abuse, and the unnecessary use of single-use plastics.
Throughout its history, the GSTC has championed a common language for sustainable tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria, uniting key stakeholders in the tourism sector, including national and regional governments, major travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals, communities, certification bodies, academia, and more. Based on these standards, the GSTC has promoted the implementation of best practices across destinations and within the tourism industry.
This policy represents the GSTC’s unwavering commitment against these harms. It calls for members and non-members alike to adopt aligned measures and take action to eliminate these issues from their destinations and operations. Additionally, it expects accredited and recognized certification schemes to rigorously evaluate practices linked to these issues and report occurrences without delay.
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As the tourism industry continues to grow, the GSTC recognizes the responsibility to ensure that its development respects human rights, protects vulnerable groups, and minimizes environmental impact. This Zero Tolerance Policy is a powerful step toward fostering an industry that not only thrives economically but also upholds the highest ethical standards and respects both people and the planet.
The GSTC invites all tourism stakeholders — businesses, governments, organizations, and individuals — to join in adopting and promoting these principles. Together, we can drive meaningful change, ensuring tourism remains a force for good and supports a sustainable future for all.
