The GSTC is committed to ensuring that sustainable tourism best practices are adopted and implemented by the industry and the traveling public. The Knowledge, Network, Education, and Training (KNET) Working Group is tasked with developing and identifying the best available tools and resources to facilitate the transition to sustainable practices.

OBJECTIVES:

  • Provide education and training materials tailored to specific sectors, to help them implement sustainable tourism using the GSTC criteria as the base.

  • Provide educational resources to certification organizations to assist them in moving towards accreditation.

  • Ensure the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria are integrated into the curricula of universities, training schools and other programs.

  • Build capacity amongst organizations promoting and selling tourism businesses, products and services, to educate their customers about more sustainable travel options.

 

EDUCATION AND TRAINING RESOURCES

Online Digital Library: GSTC members have access to a clearinghouse of information on sustainability including glossary of terms, directory of programs, tools and resources reviewed and recommended by the GSTC, training guides, case studies, tool kits, worksheets, and articles. The digital library will integrate with other knowledge network platforms.

Education Material on Accreditation: A step-by-step guide for certifications on how to complete the accreditation process.

Applying the GSTC: Diverse materials targeted to businesses, governments, NGOs and other stakeholders seeking to implement the GSTC in their programs or policies

Educational Modules: Simple, online educational modules providing clear-cut instructions on how to establish sustainable practices, implement sustainable tourism programs and policies, and achieve accreditation.

Curricula for Universities and Technical schools: Resources for learning institutions to enable the understanding and integration of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for new tourism leaders.

Adaptation for existing training courses: Non-governmental, non-educational organizations are an increasing resource of best practice and knowledge for sustainable tourism management. Numerous training and capacity building programs already exist among NGOs, and intergovernmental, bilateral or international organizations. The GSTC will work with selected partners to ensure that the educational and training materials are adequately reflected

Classroom Training Courses available globally in multiple languages

Visit here for information on our 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day classroom training programs. Local, regional, or national groups are invited to form a group of classroom participants, and GSTC provides expert, GSTC-approved, experienced trainers to a location of your choice. These training sessions are available in many languages. 

GSTC Knowledge, Network, Education & Training (KNET) Working Group

The KNET group is comprised of a diverse cross-section of public, private and academic sector sustainability leaders from around the world. The group works to identify and develop tools and resources to help deepen the understanding and implementation of sustainable tourism practices. Members of the working group include:

 

Co-Chairs:

  • Herbert Hamele, ECOTRANS, Europe

  • Steve Noakes, Pacific Asia Tourism Pty Ltd/Griffith Institute for Tourism

 

Members: 

  • Christina Cavaliere, University of Otago, New Zealand
  • 
David Randle, University of South Florida, USA
  • 
Jonathan Day, Purdue University, USA

  • Fabian Roman, University for International Cooperation / Plan21 Foundation, Argentina

  • Ajeet Bajai, Snow Leopard Adventures, India
  • 
Kelly Bricker, University of Utah,  USA
  • 
Rosemary Black, Charles Sturt University, Australia

  • Naut Kusters, ECEAT, Netherlands
  • Chi Lo, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Thailand

 

Working groups are limited to 10 members. If you are interested in applying for the Destinations Working Group please download the application and send it to members@gstcouncil.org.