Sustainability Best Practices for Tour Operators

The GSTC Sustainable Tour Operator Course is specifically designed for tour operators and provides practical guidance on sustainability practices. This self-study course includes an explanation of the GSTC Tour Operator Criteria, valuable resources, and real-world industry examples that demonstrate how to implement sustainability best practices effectively.

This course is for you, if you …

• Want to enhance your performance, considering learning practical techniques for sustainability.
• Look for real-life examples and actionable tips on sustainability solutions.
• Look for a flexible and convenient learning option that fits your busy schedule.
• Want to approach your sustainability journey systematically and efficiently by aligning with the GSTC Tour Operator Criteria for best sustainability practices.

What does the course cover?

The training follows the GSTC Tour Operator Criteria, providing best practices for sustainable tour operators.

• Lessons covering each section of the GSTC Tour Operator Criteria, along with global case studies.
• Expert tips and resources that introduce essential solutions for current issues and trends.
• Examples provided by industry practitioners, sharing insights based on real-life experiences.
• Downloadable tools are available to help you practice applying the Criteria to your own situations.

General Version and Coastal Version

The GSTC Sustainable Tour Operator Course has two versions of the course, and both versions cover the GSTC four pillars: Sustainable Management, Social and Economic impact, Cultural impact, and Environmental Impact.
The general version offers a comprehensive overview of various types of tours you might provide, including coastal tours, nature/adventure tours, and city tours. The coastal version takes a focused approach specifically to coastal and marine tourism.
Choose the course that best aligns with your career goals. With either option, you will gain a well-rounded knowledge base and practical skills necessary to operate a sustainable tour business. Start your journey towards sustainability today!

Registration Details:

* Group Rates are available only to current GSTC Organization Members. The rate is according to the group size at the time of registration.

** If you’re interested in the private group session, including the trainer’s Q&A sessions, please contact training@gstc.org.

*** If you’ve participated in a GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course in the past, we’d be happy to offer a «returning customer» discount. Please get in touch for more information.

Interested in Private Group Options?

The GSTC Sustainable Tour Operator Course can be delivered in customized formats for larger groups of tour operators seeking to train their staff members and stakeholders.

The customization options include:

• Self-study Private Course (recommended group size: 50+): This option is designed to help your organization achieve its goal of enhancing sustainability awareness among team members by providing a foundational understanding of the sustainability concepts and the GSTC Tour Operator Criteria. This offers group-specific access to the self-study course, which can be co-branded and tailored to your specific focus areas. Optional add-ons include a group-wide introductory webinar, co-developed and delivered with the GSTC, and additional content, such as resources and examples, that address the learning needs of the group.
• Facilitated Online Private Course (recommended group size: 20-50): This is a 2-week online course consisting of four (4) trainer-led sessions (90 mins/session). It covers the key aspects of the GSTC Tour Operator Criteria along with the global cases. It offers a customized approach to address sustainability challenges and solutions relevant to your group’s context. This course includes guided interactive discussions and facilitated exercises focused on practical sustainability solutions. Delivery methods can be customized to fit your group’s needs regarding the duration (either condensed over a short period or spread out over a longer time) and format (such as scheduled live sessions, a mix of live and recorded content, etc.).
• Onsite Private Course (recommended group size: 20-50): It is a 2.5-day onsite course led by a GSTC-authorized trainer. In addition to covering the core aspects of the GSTC Tour Operator Criteria, this course allows for the examination of sustainability challenges and solutions specific to your group’s context. It includes guided interactive discussions and facilitated exercises, emphasizing practical sustainability solutions. Similar to the online course, delivery methods can be customized to meet your group’s preferences in terms of schedule and format. A field visit option can also be provided.

To discuss private group options for your organization, please contact us at training@gstc.org.

Question? Need Help?

Feel free to get in touch!

You can reach us at training [at] gstc.org.

Please include «Sustainable Tour Operator Course» in your subject line.