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 sustainability into coastal and marine tourism, emphasizing the importance of collaborative approaches that engage local communities and stakeholders. Key topics addressed included the role of sustainable tourism standards in ocean conservation, the development of practical solutions for businesses, and the long-term impact of responsible tourism practices on marine ecosystems.
Mr. Pappas underscored the need for continued collaboration to ensure the resilience of destinations and the protection of marine environments.
“It was an honor to deliver the keynote address at the 20th Green & Blue Tourism Forum at ITB Berlin 2025, a key platform for advancing responsible tourism. I highlighted the urgent need to integrate sustainability into coastal and maritime tourism through GSTC standards, which provide a clear framework for protecting marine wildlife, engaging communities, and guiding businesses toward more responsible practices. ITB Berlin was a great opportunity to share GSTC’s mission and achievements with global tourism leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. By working together, we can make sustainable tourism the foundation for resilient destinations and thriving marine ecosystems, ensuring a better future for both people and the planet.”, Dr Pappas said.
GSTC becomes a signatory of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs)
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has officially become a signatory of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), further strengthening its commitment to gender equality and inclusion in the tourism sector. The announcement was made during ITB Berlin 2025, where representatives from leading tourism organizations gathered to endorse the initiative and advocate for greater diversity and equity in the industry. Representing GSTC, Ayako Ezaki, Online Training Manager, participated in the session moderated by Dr. Willy Legrand, Professor at the IU International University of Applied Sciences in Germany, underscoring the organization’s dedication to fostering a more inclusive and sustainable tourism landscape. Matthias Beyer, CEO of Mascontour and GSTC Board Member, was also present to represent Mascontour’s commitment to the WEPs.
“Being part of the WEPs community is about making a concrete step towards advancing gender equality in the workplace, market place and community. As emphasized during the launch event at ITB, tourism, with its global reach and connected value chains, holds significant potential for investing in women’s empowerment. And these principles are in line with the good practices in socioeconomic impact, community support, equal opportunities and decent work as outlined in the GSTC Criteria,” says Ayako Ezaki, GSTC Online Training Manager.
“Sustainable tourism thrives on diversity and equal opportunities. At mascontour, we actively support the empowerment of women in the industry and promote fair, inclusive structures. The Women’s Empowerment Principles serve us as an important compass for our commitment.” said Matthias Beyer, CEO of Mascontour and GSTC Board Member.
GSTC Trainers such as Sonja Gottlebe, Jeppe Klockareson, and Monique Chen were also present at the event.
The session explored strategies for integrating sustainability into coastal and marine tourism, emphasizing the importance of collaborative approaches that engage local communities and stakeholders. Key topics addressed included the role of sustainable tourism standards in ocean conservation, the development of practical solutions for businesses, and the long-term impact of responsible tourism practices on marine ecosystems.
