GSTC Auditor Training in Korea (22nd-24th of March, 2023)

The GSTC Auditor Training in Korea from March 22-24, 2023, was an engaging program that provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the GSTC Industry Criteria and the auditing process. This training was led by Dr. Kang, the GSTC Assurance Program Director & Asia-Pacific Program Director, and Randy Durband, the GSTC CEO.

Korea GSTC training

During the training, attendees learned about the key issues that auditors need to be aware of when conducting audits and gained valuable insights. Congratulations to all the participants for their dedication and commitment to learning about the audit process along with the GSTC Industry Criteria.

To learn more about our upcoming training for auditors, click here.

Completing the GSTC Auditor Training class is part of the training requirement needed to an auditor for an Accredited Certification Body. After completer the training, there are two tests participants need to pass:

  • Written Exam: Auditors who intend to work for GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies may take and pass the GSTC Auditor Exam (passing score: 85%).
  • Field Performance Test: Auditors deliver individual mock audit on a hotel and tour operators.

Note: Those who have passed the STTP exam before 2019 are exempted from taking the Auditor Training written exam. This exemption will only be applied to 2023 courses and will NOT be valid for courses starting in 2024 onwards.

About the GSTC Criteria

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria were created to provide a common understanding throughout the world of “sustainable tourism”, and are the minimum that any tourism business should aspire to reach. They are organized around four main themes: effective sustainability planning, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community, enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative impacts to the environment. They have applicability to the entire tourism industry.

The GSTC Criteria indicate what should be done, not how to do it or whether the goal has been achieved. This role is fulfilled by performance indicators, associated educational materials, and access to tools for implementation, all of which are an indispensable complement to the GSTC Criteria.

The GSTC Industry Criteria has two sets of suggested Performance Indicators:

  • GSTC Industry Criteria + suggested performance indicators for Hotels
  • GSTC Industry Criteria + suggested performance indicators for Tour Operators

Click here to learn more.