GSTC-Committed
GSTC-Committed refers to an organization’s pledge to fully implement the GSTC Criteria in its policy and operational guidelines. This process involves engaging with their stakeholders, including staff, partners, suppliers, or members. By committing to the GSTC Criteria, an organization can plan and implement internal improvements while also influencing its stakeholders and supply chain.
Gaining GSTC-Committed status confirms that an organization has adopted the GSTC Criteria with a clearly documented plan and implementation, which the GSTC reviewed. GSTC-Committed does not ensure certification, accreditation, or recognition, but only that the GSTC Criteria is implemented to the organization’s policy, plan, and operation.
GSTC-Committed Organizations
Founded in 1996 in Amsterdam, Booking.com has grown from a small Dutch startup to one of the world’s leading digital travel companies. Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world.
By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com seamlessly connects millions of travellers with memorable experiences, a range of transport options and incredible places to stay – from homes to hotels and much more. As one of the world’s largest travel marketplaces for both established brands and entrepreneurs of all sizes, Booking.com enables properties all over the world to reach a global audience and grow their businesses.
Booking.com is available in 43 languages and offers more than 28 million total reported accommodation listings, including over 6.6 million listings alone of homes, apartments and other unique places to stay. No matter where you want to go or what you want to do, Booking.com makes it easy and backs it all up with 24/7 customer support.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Having grown from its Asian roots into a global brand, the Group now operates 38 hotels and 11 residences in 25 countries and territories, with each property reflecting the Group’s oriental heritage, local culture and unique design. Mandarin Oriental has a strong pipeline of hotels and residences under development, and is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
Further information is available on Mandarin Oriental’s Social Media channels and website: www.mandarinoriental.com, including the Media Centre.
Since pioneering Asia Pacific’s first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with over 950 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott’s presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.
A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator with accommodation offerings that span serviced residences, coliving properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott’s loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.
Click here to read more about Ascott CARES, Ascott’s sustainability programme.
GSTC-Acknowledged Organizations
Full implementation of a significant program based on the GSTC Criteria and Assurance Program; For the public sector or multi-faceted private sector players.
Founded on July 15, 2019, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) is dedicated to delivering Türkiye as a brand and a popular destination in both domestic and international tourism markets; discover, develop and promote tangible and intangible natural, cultural, biological and manmade heritage assets; boost the tourism capacity of Türkiye, increase the rate of tourism investments in the national economy and raise the quality of service with short, medium and longterm communication and marketing activities. In 2023 with guidance from the GSTC, TGA 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.
Application information
Eligible applicants
Being a GSTC member for more than one year and a continuous supporter of the GSTC’s various activities in different ways. Prior understanding of GSTC Criteria through the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program, and/or any other firm engagements with GSTC in place with a record of stability shall be required.
GSTC-Committed for user of the GSTC Industry Criteria (GSTC-I)
- An organization that systematically applies the Criteria for the internal processes for employees, businesses, and properties,
- Influences its external clients, partners, or suppliers to apply and implement their sustainability practices based on the GSTC Industry Criteria and/or:
- Public organizations (National, Provincial/State governments for policy-making)
GSTC-Committed for user of the GSTC Destination Criteria (GSTC-D)
- Public organizations (National, Provincial/State governments for policy-making) and/or:
- An organization that Influences its destinations, tourism businesses, and their suppliers to encourage their sustainability practices based on the GSTC Destination Criteria
Non-eligible applicants
User of the GSTC Industry Criteria (GSTC-I) that cannot be GSTC-Committed
- GSTC-Recognized standard owners,
- Organizations using their own standards for their business or communication with their clients (e.g., Certification Body, Organizations having the program of award(s) or label(s) without calling them a certification), and
- Certified business to another standard, including a GSTC-Recognized standard
User of the GSTC Destination Criteria (GSTC-D) that cannot be GSTC-Committed
- GSTC-Recognized standard owners,
- Destination management organizations(DMOs) and Destination management companies (DMCs), and
- System service providers (non-public sector)
Fee
Application fee: USD $4,500 (one time fee)
Membership fee: according to the membership category (annual fee)
Application Process
- Confirm your eligibility for the application. If you are not sure, please contact the GSTC Secretariat
- Submit application form. Please contact the GSTC Secretariat for the form
- Reviewing by GSTC Secretariat
- Receive an answer and comments by email
For those interested in applying for GSTC-Committed, please contact criteria[at]gstcouncil.org.