Why Become a Certified Hotel/Accommodation?

Increasingly, travelers and your fellow travel provider clients are seeking confirmation that sustainability practices are in place (Booking.com Sustainability Report 2021). Also increasingly, travel companies are looking for a product that is not only certified sustainable, but certified sustainable by a Certification Body that is GSTC Accredited (Trivago recommendation).

Being certified by an Accredited Certification Body means that your tourism product or service complies with the highest social and environmental standards on the market. As public concern grows about the harmful effects and the positive impacts of travel and tourism, certification provides you a credible solution to complex environmental and social issues. Businesses certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body, meeting all the GSTC Criteria (or a GSTC-Recognized Standard), have the highest level of assurance* and credibility available. With an accredited certification, customers and buyers are assured that the business was certified in a credibly verified procedure in a transparent, impartial, and competent manner.

Logo for businesses certified to the GSTC Criteria

Travel providers should proudly display information regarding their certificate and the certification body that issued it. Doing so informs your stakeholders — from customers to ownership and to your supply chain — that your business is operated with sound management that looks to the future and not merely at today. Businesses certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body can display a unique GSTC logo with a traceable code.

Many owners and buyers of hotel spaces use the GSTC framework and highlight those accommodations certified by GSTC Accredited CBs. Here are a few of them:

  • Hilton: “We continue to identify opportunities to achieve GSTC certification for our hotels to ensure the sustainability of our operations.”
  • TUI Group “encourages all hotels offered to its 27 million customers to obtain certification that meets the GSTC Criteria.”
  • easyJet holidays “is focused on supporting tourism destinations by committing to encouraging 100% of its contracted hotels to achieve certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification body […] by the end of 2025.”
  • AMEX GBT “We aim to preference hotels with sustainability standards(such as hotels certified to GSTC-approved standards) with a goal of 25% by 2025. We recognize the importance of third-party certification and GSTC accreditation in our long-term hotel strategy, in line with industry progress.”
  • Booking.com is currently highlighting hotels certified by GSTC-Accredited CBs along with other standards that are Recognized by GSTC.
  • Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) with guidance from the GSTC, has developed the first mandatory national program for accommodations based on the GSTC Criteria and GSTC Assurance program. From 2022 through 2030, all accommodations Türkiye must be certified through a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
  • Singapore Tourism Board announced the launch of the Hotel Sustainability Roadmap. By 2025 its goal is for 60% of hotel room stock to achieve hotel sustainability certification through a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
  • By 2025 all Mandarin Oriental properties will be GSTC-Certified.

How to become certified as a Sustainable Hotel

To become certified, travel and tourism businesses shall go through these steps:

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Several certification bodies are accredited for awarding GSTC certifications for hotels/accommodations.

When choosing a CB, you should consider evaluating two or more certification bodies to find the one that suits your needs most regarding language abilities, experience, or location proximity.

The Certification Body may require you to officially register to receive a commercial offer with the cost and a procedure of certification. Some certification bodies may require hotels/accommodations to enter into a contract with the Certification Body. Contracts should always be read carefully prior to agreement.

Prior to starting the certification process, some certification bodies offer the option to conduct a short evaluation to identify potential areas of concern. Costs may be associated with this step.

Once ready to formally start the certification process, the hotel/accommodation will submit an application. The Certification Body will request information and various business documents to see how the accommodation’s practices and procedures comply with the GSTC standard. The documents should be submitted within the deadline stipulated by the Certification Body.

The Certification Body will review all documentation submitted and compare it to the GSTC Criteria or GSTC-Recognized standard. During this period, the Certification Body will consult the accommodation to clarify any questions about its operations. The length of this process can vary depending on the extent of the accommodation’s documented policies.

The Certification Body will visit the accommodation premises to see how its policies are implemented.

After the Certification Body’s assessment, the hotel should have a chance to view a draft report and voice any factual objections. This period allows the operator to contest or provide any supporting information to support certification. The Certification Body’s report will then be finalized, and shared with the hotel, concluding whether GSTC Certification can be awarded.

Certification is issued once the Certification Body has confirmed that the accommodation meets the GSTC requirements. The CB will award a GSTC certificate valid for three years* with a GSTC-Certified Logo.

* GSTC Certificates issued under the Turkiye program have 1-year validity. 



If the certification application is not approved right away, the assessor will provide the hotel with recommendations and corrective actions. Accommodations can then work with the Certification Body’s dedicated customer service representative to show the Certification Body that these corrective actions have been followed so that the accommodation can achieve certification.

The Certification Body will review the progress and improvements made for any corrective actions that were requested as the accommodation nears the date for renewal of certification. Audit duration and frequency can depend on the accommodation’s size and complexity of operations. Most certification bodies require an annual onsite audit every 1.5 to 3 years.

Accommodations should check with the Certification Body to see when the certification renewal process should begin. It generally is between 4-6 weeks prior to expiration of certification.

GSTC Accredited Certification Bodies for Hotels/Accommodations

Alberk QA Technic

Alberk QA TechnicAlberk QA Technic is one of the world’s leading organizations in training, product certification, testing, inspection, auditing, and quality management, as well as personnel certification, energy management, and greenhouse gas emissions monitoring. Despite being younger than its competitors, the company has built a highly experienced and qualified team since its establishment in 2004. Accredited in USA and Turkiye,  Alberk QA Technic supports clients worldwide through its offices by continuously enhancing their performance in management systems, product certifications, national agreements, CE marking, and customized audits for supply chain management.

To be certified by Alberk QA TECHNIC, contact QA TECHNIC directly at info@qatechnic.com or visit the following link to get Certified by Alberk QA TECHNIC.

Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas is a world leader in testing, inspection and certification services. Since its creation in 1828, Bureau Veritas has been supporting its clients on every continent to continually improve their performance via certification of management systems, product certifications and customized audits. The Group has more than 78,000 employees located in more than 1,500 offices and laboratories around the globe. Bureau Veritas helps its clients improve their performance by offering services and innovative solutions, in order to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.

To be certified by Bureau Veritas, contact BV directly at webchina@bureauveritas.com or visit the following link to get certified by Bureau Veritas.

Control Union

control unionControl Union Certifications offers a global one-stop-shop for a wide range of certification programmes with a global presence that spans more than 70 countries in six continents. We understand the importance of impartiality and objectivity, and how to professionally manage conflicts of interest. From the beginning, sustainability has been the main focus of our certification services. Control Union Certifications presents a wide range of programmes in agriculture, food, feed, forest products, textiles, bio-energy, and tourism. In 2016, Control Union Certifications became the first Accredited CB for the GSTC Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, and currently work with a dedicated sustainable tourism team on GSTC Certification, providing the highest level in terms of credibility within the GSTC Assurance Program. This means that Control Union Certifications can certify hotels and tour operators directly against the GSTC Criteria.

To be certified by Control Union, contact at cusg_tourism@controlunion.com or visit the following link to get certified by Control Union.

Dream&Charme

DREAM&CHARME , is an Italy-based international certification body with headquarters in Milan, Italy. The company, founded in 2006, is dedicated to maintaining high standards in the hospitality industry, focusing on sustainable practices and hospitality reliability across various accommodations worldwide. Dream&Charme is focused only in the hospitality industry to verify and certify, as an accredited third party, therefore independent and impartial, their characteristics its reliability and sustainability. DREAM&CHARME is operating worldwide, especially in: Italy, France, Spain, United States of America, Greece, Egypt, Kenya, Cape Verde, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritius, Maldives, Oman, Dominican Republic, Bahamas, Mexico.

To be certified by Dream&Charme, please contact gstc@dca-cert.com or visit the following link to get certified by Dram&Charme.

FQC

FQC logoFQC Certification is an independent certification and training body established to help organizations achieve excellence and world-class competitiveness through the application of various International Standards. Its main objective is to elevate organizations to international stature and ensure that their products and services are globally accepted. FQC offers value-added, efficient, and cost-effective certification and training services to all sectors, including Government, Public, and Private.

To get certified by FQC, contact FQC directly at info@fqcglobal.org

GCL International Ltd

GCL InternationalGCL International Ltd is a globally recognized certification and inspection body based in the United Kingdom. GCL specializes in the assessment, inspection, training, and certification of various product and management systems, including quality, environmental, health & safety, food safety, textiles, recycling, organic, forestry, social and sustainability schemes. GCL International provides services across five continents with its network of offices and is accredited by several internationally recognized accreditation bodies. GCL International engages highly skilled professionals worldwide to deliver its services, ensuring quality and integrity. GCL’s approach is pragmatic and supportive, meeting the rigorous technical demands of accredited certification. GCL International Ltd has been a global benchmark for quality and integrity since its establishment 30 years ago.

To be certified by GCL International Ltd, contact gstc@gcl-intl.com

RoyalCert

RoyalCert is a reputable certification body based in Germany, operating in 25 countries globally. RoyalCert offer assessment and certification services to a wide range of industries, including Tourism Industry, and serving thousands of customers. RoyalCert core strength lies in their experienced auditors, who have over 20 years of auditing expertise. The company is committed to sustainable growth and adheres to high ethical standards, focusing on integrity and customer satisfaction. By partnering with RoyalCert, customers can improve their operations, enhance business performance, and make a positive impact on society and the environment.

To get certified by RoyalCert, contact RoyalCert directly at info@royalcert.com.

TRB

TRBTRB International Certification Company was established in 2004 and was accredited by TÜRKAK in 2006 within the scope of system certification and in 2009 within the scope of Product Certification. TRB has also been an authorized institution within the scope of Good Agricultural Practices since 2007 and Organic Agriculture (Plant, Animal Production, Processing, Packaging, Labeling, Storage, Transportation and Marketing of Organic Products) from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry since 2018.

To get certified by TRB, contact TRB directly at info@trb.com.tr

TÜV AUSTRIA TURK

TÜV AUSTRIA TURKAs an independent Austrian company with more than 60 subsidiaries in over 30 countries and more than 3,300 employees since 1872, we unite safety, quality, innovation, environmental protection, sustainability, and entrepreneurship across various sectors, from industrial companies, healthcare, and municipal sectors, to scientific and research institutions. From planning to ongoing operations, TÜV AUSTRIA TURK, with more than 200 employees and 11 branches, provides personalized services in testing, inspection, cybersecurity, data protection, sustainability, system certification, and product certification for our customers and partners. Additionally, we offer training and advanced training services.

To be certified by TÜV AUSTRIA TURK, contact seher.donmez@tuv.at

United Certification Systems Limited

UCSL United Certification Systems Limited is an independent international certification body with Headquarters in EU and operating globally (except Türkiye). UCSL is accredited for various volunteer sustainability certification schemes including Hotels & Tour Operators (GSTC), Marine (ASC, MSC), Global Sustainable Enterprise System (GSES) etc. The team of certification body involves numerous experts and professionals with vast local and international experience in the auditing and sustainability sector. UCSL aims to contribute to the UN SDGs, environmental well-being of the planet through provision of excellent services to like-minded sustainable businesses.

To be certified by UCSL, please contact UCSL directly at cert@ucsl.eu or visit the following link to get Certified by UCSL.

Vireo Srl

Vireo Srl is a certification company whose commercial activities consist of providing Italian and foreign companies with environmental certification services. Vireo provides worldwide recognized environmental certification schemes such as FSC, MSC, and GSTC. As a GSTC-Accredited certification body, Vireo certifies hotels, TOs, and destinations as sustainable worldwide. The professional approach and deep knowledge of standards are the key elements that mark Viero’s services. Based in Padova, Italy, Vireo has international experience and works with professional and highly qualified auditors.

To be certified by Vireo Srl, contact Vireo directly at info@vireosrl.it or visit the following link to get Certified by Vireo Srl.

Mauritius Standards Bureau: Blue Oasis

The Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB) is a non-profit parastatal body in the island of Mauritius that certifies Hotels & Accommodations and Tour Operators operating within the Mauritian jurisdiction and territories, as per the GSTC-Recognized Standard MS 165 (Sustainable Tourism Management System) labelled as the Blue Oasis. MSB holds a prominent regional and international presence, contributing to standardization and conformity assessment bodies. The paramount goal of MSB is to drive industrial advancement and foster economic expansion in Mauritius, by boosting the local tourism industry towards sustainability.

If your Accommodation/Hotel is located in Mauritius, visit the following link to get Certified by MSB.

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Note:

  • The above Certification Bodies have been Accredited for compliance with the requirements of the Manual for GSTC Accreditation. GSTC-Accredited mean that the certification procedures largely meet international standards for transparency, impartiality, and competence.
  • Certification by a Certification Body whose standard is “GSTC Recognized” does NOT carry the same meaning as certification by a Certification Body that is accredited by GSTC. “GSTC Recognized” relates to a published set of standards and NOT to the process of certification or accreditation.
  • List of standards that are recognized by the GSTC as adhering to the GSTC Criteria is available here.

* Note: General assurance levels:

3rd-party certification by an Accredited Certification Body (impartiality is certain)
3rd-party verification (impartiality is not certain)
2nd-party verification (not impartial)
1st-party self-assessment No verification at all

Sample Questions to Ask a Certification Body:

  1. How much will it cost to become certified? Do you offer group pricing in order to reduce costs? Are there other special pricing arrangements you can offer me?
  2. Do you offer the option to conduct a pre-assessment to see how my business measures up to the GSTC Criteria and whether we might run into any challenges prior to conducting the certification audit?
  3. How long do you anticipate the certification assessment process will take with a company of our size?
  4. During the assessment process, what type of documents will you ask our company to provide? Is there a document noting what we will need that we can review beforehand?
  5. In addition to conducting the assessment, what other support services and/or tools are included for me to manage my compliance with the sustainability standard?
  6. Does your company offer hotels undergoing certification a dedicated customer service personnel?
  7. What happens if we fail to attain certification?
  8. Can you provide a reference from a customer, comparative to our business that has undergone an assessment with your certification body?