The three-day intensive and interactive training program was held in Bangkok, Thailand from Feb 13-15, 2017. Bangkok, Thailand. The training was led by Dr. Mihee Kang and covered tourism as a tool for sustainable development, sustainability best practices and the GSTC Criteria, the world’s leading standard for tourism sustainability, as well as key topics such as global trends in sustainable tourism, sustainability marketing, and sustainable tourism product development and management.
This training class was organized by the GSTC and co-hosted by PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association).
What: 3-Day Sustainable Tourism Training by the GSTC
When: February 13th – 15th, 2017
Where: Bangkok, Thailand*
*Training venue:
- February 13-14: Holiday Inn Bangkok Silom (981 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand)
- February 15: Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok (28 Charoenkrung Soi 70, Bangkholame, Bangkok 10120, Thailand)
Sustainable Tourism Training for Tourism Professionals
The three-day intensive sustainable tourism training program covered global trends in sustainable tourism, sustainability best practices and the GSTC Criteria, strengthening awareness of sustainable tourism through practical insights and achievable steps.
Key Training Program Highlights
- Knowledge and expertise representing the GSTC as the global authority on quality sustainable tourism standards.
- Stimulating and rewarding learning experience, being part of an interactive training with fellow participants representing a variety of public, private, academic and non-profit entities.
- Practical insights on promoting sustainable and responsible travel experiences through case studies and best practice examples.
Through this training, participants earned a Certificate of Completion, and now have the opportunity to take the official STTP Exam.
GSTC Trainer: Dr. Mihee Kang
Dr. Mihee Kang is the GSTC Country Representative for South Korea, and serves on the GSTC Accreditation Panel as a sustainable tourism standard expert. Dr. Kang is a research professor at Seoul National University, researching topics related to protected areas management and sustainable tourism. She received her Ph.D. degree at Seoul National University in 1999 and actively participated in numerous ecotourism and protected area projects in Korea and abroad. She has published many articles and books including the first ecotourism book in Korea and the recent one about ecotourism in ASEAN Countries. She serves a number of key positions in both domestic and international organizations such as Ecotourism Korea, Korean Geoparks Committee, Korean UNESCO MAB Committee, and Asian Ecotourism Network.
Recently she co-founded Playforest, a cooperative of sustainable travel businesses designed to benefit local communities and local activists dedicated to the conservation of their forests and to provide genuine community-based natural tourism experiences to the visitors.
Expert Presenters
Mr. Randy Durband, Chief Executive Officer, GSTC
Randy Durband has had two careers in travel and tourism – 20+ years in senior leadership positions at some of the finest U.S. tour operators, having served as President for Travcoa, INTRAV, and Clipper Cruise Lines, plus Executive Vice President of Tauck World Discovery. Following that, in his second travel and tourism career, Randy advanced the work of Sustainable Tourism as an advisor, consultant, and speaker. He brings his knowledge of the business of travel, his global network of travel professionals, and a passion for sustainability to support the GSTC and the general sustainable tourism movement.
Ms. Nia Klatte, Sustainability Coordinator, EXO Travel Thailand
Nia Klatte is a responsible tourism specialist focused on promoting sustainable tourism practices and has in-depth knowledge and experience in sustainable tourism certification schemes. As the Sustainability Coordinator for EXO Travel Thailand, Nia has played a key role in implementing steps to achieve the Travelife certification (successful certification in February 2016), and she oversees all CSR and charity related activities within the company’s office and among clients. Prior to joining EXO Travel, Nia has also worked with PATA and The Thailand Community Based Tourism Institute.
Ms. Nitshananun Sonklin, Sustainability Coordinator and Project Manager, Yaana Ventures
Nitshananun (“Nitsha”) began her career as a part-time receptionist at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, a five star hotel in Bangkok. After obtaining her Bachelor’s of Arts in Business English, she moved to London for three years to pursue a diploma in Tourism and Hospitality management. After returning to Thailand, she worked as a film coordinator for the Thailand Film Office, an account executive for Chevalier Network Solutions and a real-estate agent for CB Richard Ellis. Nitsha is adventurous and outgoing by nature and loves to try local food in her travels.
Ms. Supaporn Prachumpai, President, Royal Silk Holidays
As President of Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association in 2002-2006 and Vice President since 2010, Supaporn has actively joined forces with industry partners in developing GSTC-based sustainable tourism standards for supply chains in Thailand, and has led various projects including The CSR-Map Project (2009-2010), which has won PATA Gold Award in 2010 in education and training category. She manages Royal Silk Holidays and the Country Lake Nature Lodge, which has received Travelife Partner status. Supaporn Prachumpai is the secretary of the Asian Ecotourism Network (AEN).
More about the STTP
The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) offers practical insights and effective steps to help you improve your sustainability practices. With the aim of strengthening awareness of sustainable tourism in destinations around the world, the training program covers global trends in sustainable tourism and sustainability best practices for businesses and destinations.
Designed as an intensive and interactive training experience led by expert GSTC Trainer(s), STTP training classes are offered throughout the year, and provide two options for completing the training requirement towards earning the GSTC Certificate in Sustainable Tourism:
- Onsite 3-day training classes (Face-to-face training classes offered throughout the year in various locations around the world).
- Online 4-week training classes (Online scheduled training classes led by GSTC trainers, available at least 4 times a year).
