On July 12, 2023, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) announced the publication of its revised GSTC Accreditation Manual version 3.0.
GSTC held an informative zoom meeting on November 14, 2023 to explain the revised GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification of Hotel/Accommodation & Tour Operator version 3.0.
As tour operators have become an essential part of the tourism industry due to the impact of broad third-party involvement in all business operations, GSTC has specified the requirements for Tour Operator Certification more clearly with this revision to create a reliable GSTC Certification Program.
The transition period to the GSTC Accreditation Manual v3.0 runs for 3 months starting from the effective date (October 12, 2023).
The Manual covers the requirements of the accreditation processes. For Certification Bodies seeking or holding GSTC Accreditation, it covers the certification processes they must implement and the requirements and process for their accreditation.
Learn more about Accreditation for Certification Bodies to Certify to the GSTC Criteria or to a GSTC-Recognized Standard here.
Main Changes to the GSTC Accreditation Manual
Recognizing the importance of having comprehensive insights about the changes on the new version (v3.0) of the GSTC Accreditation Manual, GSTC held a 60-minutes informative zoom meeting the 14th of November, 2023, to explain the amendments to the GSTC Accreditation Manual v3.0, GSTC-Accredited certification bodies and sustainable tourism stakeholder were invited.
The primary purpose of the revision includes enhancing information and requirements on Tour Operator Certification, incorporating the Tour Product sub-scope, refining expression to reduce confusion, and removing specific clauses for clarity.
To view the Report of Change and the result of public consultation, please click: GSTC Public Consultation Report AM v.3.0.
The Manual is available here: GSTC Accreditation Manual v.3.0.
Watch the zoom meeting recording
Presenters:
- Natalia Sanin, GSTC Measurement & Reporting Analyst
- Joonsik Son, GSTC Assurance Planning Coordinator
- Herdi Andrariladchi, GSTC Audit Process Analyst
The Manual is available on the following webpage: Accreditation for Certification Bodies
