The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has revised the GSTC Accreditation Manual for Certification Bodies - Destination (hereafter, the Destination Accreditation Manual) and was approved on March 26, 2025. The manual is available on the GSTC Accreditation Documents webpage. Given the dynamic nature of the tourism industry, periodic updates and revisions to the certification [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has unveiled a new self-assessment tool designed specifically for destinations seeking to measure and enhance their sustainable tourism practices. The tool offers a simple yet effective way for destination to evaluate their progress across the four pillars of the GSTC Destination Criteria: Sustainable Management: This section encourages destinations [...]
Sustainable travel is no longer just an ethical choice – it’s a business imperative and a rising opportunity in the global tourism industry. In Asia Pacific (APAC), where travel habits are as diverse as the region itself, this opportunity comes with unique challenges and responsibilities. Recent research estimates that the global sustainable tourism market [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) participated in the 20th Green & Blue Tourism Forum during ITB Berlin 2025, held from March 4–6. As part of the event, Dr. Ioannis Pappas, GSTC Director for the Mediterranean Region, delivered a keynote presentation focused on sustainable coastal and maritime tourism. The session explored strategies for integrating [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that TÜV AUSTRIA TURK has gained the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body status with the scope of certifying hotels/accommodations to GSTC Hotel Criteria.TÜV AUSTRIA TURK, part of the TÜV AUSTRIA Group, provides certification, inspection, testing, and training services. Operating in Turkey since 2005 and institutionalized in [...]
The GSTC participated in the MICE Intelligence & Innovation Summit 2025, held on March 4th at the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel in Thailand. The Summit focused on the role of sustainability in shaping the future of the meetings and events industry. Randy Durband, GSTC CEO, delivered a keynote on the Vision Stage, titled “Destination [...]
GSTC was present at the IAAPA APAC Sustainability Summit, held on the 13th and 14th of March 2025 in Singapore. The two-day, in-person event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and sustainability advocates. It featured discussions, expert insights, and networking opportunities focused on advancing sustainable practices in the attractions sector. Dr. [...]
The ‘March Lunch and Learn’ event, hosted by the Canmore Hotel & Lodging Association, focused on collaborative efforts to advance regenerative tourism in Canmore and Kananaskis. Located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, the region is known for its natural landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities. The event provided an opportunity for [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Destination Assessment of the Cook Islands took place between September 2024 and January 2025. The Cook Islands lie between French Polynesia to the east and Tonga to the west, situated about 3,000 kilometers (1,865 miles) northeast of New Zealand. The islands are of volcanic origin, with Rarotonga— the [...]
Today’s tourism industry features a significant presence of micro and small enterprises (MSEs). Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises are essential to the tourism and travel sector, representing approximately 80% of all tourism enterprises worldwide and up to 98% in select G20 nations (International Council for Small Business, 2024*). Tourism MSEs play an important role [...]
The 2025 Conference of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) will be held in Fiji from August 5-8, 2025. This landmark event will bring together global leaders in sustainable tourism, including government representatives, destination managers, industry professionals, and sustainability experts, to advance the future of responsible travel and tourism worldwide. Fiji, known for its [...]
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented intern to join the AYLAC Technical Secretariat with a focus on funding and sponsorship management. This remote, part-time position offers a unique opportunity to support sustainable tourism initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean. As an intern, you will play a key role in identifying funding [...]
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented intern to join the AYLAC Technical Secretariat. This remote, part-time position offers a unique opportunity to support sustainable tourism initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean. As an intern, you will help facilitate communication, coordinate logistics, and contribute to key projects that advance AYLAC’s mission. You [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that GCL International Ltd has gained the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body status with the scope of certifying hotels/accommodations to GSTC Hotel Criteria. Operating from its base in central London, United Kingdom, GCL International Ltd manages a network of overseas offices in 5 continents, serving over [...]
SLOVAKIA TRAVEL has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Located in Central Europe, Slovakia is known for its landscapes and cultural heritage. With mountain ranges such as the High Tatras and extensive cave systems, including UNESCO-listed sites like the Slovak Karst, the country offers a mix of natural and [...]
Turismo Lanzarote has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Located in the Canary Islands, Spain, Lanzarote is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve known for its volcanic landscapes and distinct geological formations. From the lava fields of Timanfaya National Park to the traditional architecture influenced by César Manrique, Lanzarote combines natural [...]
Okinawa Prefecture sponsored the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training for their employees in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. The training was held from the 22nd to the 24th of February, 2025. It was led by GSTC Trainer Kazuhiro Arai, Representative of Daisetsuzan Nature School, who shared his expertise with practical examples and valuable insights. [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that Alberk QA Technic has gained the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body status with the scope of certifying hotels/accommodations to GSTC Hotel Criteria. Alberk QA Technic states in its mission that beyond providing certification, inspection, training, testing, and calibration services, it upholds impartiality principles, ensuring its [...]
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is proud to announce the launch of its new training course tailored specifically for Tour Operators (TOs). The new GSTC Sustainable Tour Operator Course (TOC) is designed to equip professionals in the field with the knowledge and tools to implement the GSTC Tour Operator Criteria effectively. This comprehensive [...]
The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course was sponsored by JTB Corp for its employees who came from Hokkaido, Tokyo, Kansai, and Fukuoka. It was held in Tokyo, Japan, from the 19th to the 21st of February, 2025. A total of 20 participants attended the training, and GSTC Trainer Kazuhiro Arai, Representative of Daisetsuzan Nature School, [...]
