GSTC Logo Usage Guidelines

Each of the GSTC® logos has a specific meaning and can be displayed only by those authorized to do so. GSTC takes seriously the task of verification of claims of sustainability. We hope you will support those efforts, and we encourage you to reward certified businesses and destinations by using their products and services.

No GSTC logos or any version of GSTC logo, may be used without qualifying for the usage of that logo or without written consent from the GSTC.

GSTC Logo

         

This logo is used only by GSTC® or those with written permission.

GSTC Member logo

GSTC Members proudly display the GSTC Member logo. This means that the organization supports the work of the GSTC and the GSTC Criteria. The GSTC Member logo is reserved for usage by Organization Members and Destination Members and may not be used by Individual Members.

GSTC-Accredited Certification Body logo

Certification Bodies that are Accredited by GSTC may display this logo.

GSTC Certification Scheme logo

Gaining the right to use the GSTC Certification Scheme Logo: While RSOs do not initially have the right to use the GSTC Logo, they can obtain this right by signing a Certification Scheme License Agreement (CSLA) with GSTC when adhering to the CS-CB Framework.

GSTC-Certified logo

Hotels and other accommodations, tour operators, or destinations that are certified to the GSTC Criteria or a GSTC-Recognized Standard by a Certification Body that has been accredited by the GSTC® may use this logo. Note that it has a unique code at the bottom, assigned based on the organization being certified, and used to track and verify that only legitimate users may display this logo. These organizations have taken the difficult but important step to get certified for their sustainable practices. Please reward their good efforts by showing preference in purchasing your travel products from these companies.

In short, the “GSTC-Certified” logo is used exclusively by travel providers certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body; Each instance of the Logo must contain a unique “GSTC-Certified” identification code.

GSTC recommends that hotels and tour operators that are certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body display the logo of the Certification Body on the hotel / tour operator website where it describes its sustainability policies and practices. Doing so strengthens the sustainability message to clients and stakeholders by pointing out that the business has achieved an independently-audited level of sustainable practices.

Additionally, to add further credibility to those sustainability claims by the hotel / tour operator and to the Certification Body, the hotel / tour operator can display the GSTC-Certified  to compliment the Certification Body’s logo. The GSTC logo cannot be displayed on its own, it must be displayed together with the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body that certified the hotel / tour operator.

Click here for the complete Logo Usage Guidelines for Certified Entities

Detailed Terms of Use of the logos

GSTC Member Logo – Terms of Use

Fundamental Eligibility of Use

1. The GSTC Member Logo (as per the image above) may only be used by a current organization member of the GSTC.
2. The GSTC Member Logo may only be used when it has been issued to a GSTC Member by the GSTC Secretariat.

Use of the GSTC Member Logo Subject to These Terms
3. Any use of of the GSTC Member Logo by a GSTC member is subject to these terms of use.
4. The use of the GSTC Member Logo by a GSTC Member is an acknowledgement of, and agreement to these terms of issuance.

Ownership of Logo
5. The intellectual property of the GSTC Logo, the trademark of the footprint device and control of the use of the GSTC logos, image and names remains with the GSTC at all times.

Use only Whilst GSTC Member
6. The GSTC Logo may only be used whilst the member remains a member in good standing.

Permitted Use
7. GSTC Members may use the GSTC Member Logo solely on their website, business cards, company letterhead, and marketing materials to reflect that the company is a Member of the GSTC.
8. The GSTC Member Logo must not be used to endorse, promote, or imply approval of any training, verification, or certification processes conducted by the member organization. Its use is strictly limited to indicating membership in the GSTC and does not imply GSTC’s endorsement of the member’s activities or services.
9. GSTC Members must remove all Member Logos from all media within one month of membership expiration if they opt not to renew their Membership.
10. On any materials that feature the GSTC Member Logo, your company name and/or logo must appear larger than the GSTC Member Logo.
11. When used in the online/internet/web environment, the GSTC Logo must be stored on your company’s server.
12. The GSTC logo cannot be cropped, changed colors, or modified in any way.
13. When the Logo links to GSTC’s website, link to https://www.gstcouncil.org

Other GSTC Logos
14. To avoid any doubt:
– GSTC member program may not use the general GSTC Logo,
– Only tourism businesses or destinations certified by a GSTC Accredited Certification Body may use the GSTC Logo along with the Certification Body logo, as agreed upon with the Certification Body.

Definitions
15. GSTC – Global Sustainable Tourism Council
18. GSTC Member Logo – The image presented at the top of the page and any variants provided by the GSTC including date variants.

GSTC-Accredited Certification Body logo – Terms of Use

Fundamental Eligibility of Use

  1. The “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” (as per the image above) may only be used by a GSTC‐Accredited Certification Body.
  2. The “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” may only be used when it has been issued to the GSTC‐Accredited Certification Body in accordance with a Certification Body License Agreement.

Use Subject to These Terms

  1. Any use of the “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” is subject to these terms of use.
  2. The use of the “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” is an acknowledgement of, and agreement to these terms of use.

Ownership of Logo

  1. The intellectual property of the “GSTC‐Accredited Logo”, the trademark of the footprint device and control of the use of the GSTC logos, image and names remains with the GSTC at all times.

Use While Certified

  1. The “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” may only be used while the certification program remains GSTC‐Accredited.
  2. In the event that the GSTC‐Accredited status is removed, ceased, suspended, is not renewed or is removed certification, the certification body must immediately cease use of the “GSTC‐Accredited Logo”.
  3. In the event that the certification body is no longer GSTC-Accredited, or the program ceases trading or is wound up the program must immediately cease use of the “GSTC‐Accredited Logo”.

Permitted Uses

  1. The “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” may only be used to promote the GSTC-Accredited status of the certification body.
  2. The “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” may only be used on printed, electronic and broadcast media where is clearly pertains to the scope of the actual program with GSTC‐Accredited status.
  3. The “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” may NOT be used where it may infer approval of other certification programs or any scope of certification beyond the limits of the scope of GSTC Accreditation.
  4. The “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” may only be used where it has a contrasting background and is of a size with the text component being readable by a person of average eyesight.
  5. The “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” may only be used where it is complete with all elements of the Logo.
  6. The “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” may be used on its own or alongside any logo used by the certification program.
  7. The “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” may only be used on signage, name plates etc. where the full logo is included.

Use by Third Party

  1. The GSTC‐Accredited Logo may not be used by a third party and may not be used by a business or destination certified the GSTC‐Accredited certification body (who may use the Certified to the GSTC Criteria Logo, subject to Terms of Use).

Cessation of Use

  1. If the certification body must cease using the “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” this means that the logo must be removed from all electronic media (websites, social media etc.) within one month and any use on signage, name plates etc. must be removed within three months.
  2. If the certification body must cease using the “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” this means that no further printed or physical materials with the logo may be produced. Any existing physical material may continue to be distributed only for three months.

Other GSTC Logos

  1. To avoid any doubt, a GSTC‐Accredited certification body may use the “GSTC-Certified Logo” as an example of the logo it issues to certified businesses or destinations.

Definitions

GSTC ‐ Global Sustainable Tourism Council “GSTC‐Accredited Logo” ‐ The image presented at the top of the page and any variants provided by the GSTC.

GSTC Certification Scheme Logo – Terms of Use

Fundamental Eligibility of Use

    1. The “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” (as per the image above shall only be used by Licensee that has a GSTC-Recognized standard and formal working relationship with a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body(ACB) for certification to the Recognized standard.

Use Subject to These Terms

    1. Any use of the “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” is subject to these terms of use.
    2. The use of the “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” acknowledges and agrees to these terms of use.

Ownership of Logo

    1. The intellectual property of the “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme”, the trademark of the footprint device, and the control of the use of this logo, images, and names remains with the GSTC at all times.

Use While Certified

    1. The “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” shall only be used while the standard of the Certification Scheme maintains GSTC-Recognized status, and the certification program is operated by the contracted ACB.
    2. In the event that the GSTC-Recognized status is removed, ceased, or suspended, Licensee shall immediately cease use of the “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme”.
    3. In the event that Licensee terminates the contract with the ACBs, which are collaborating in accordance with GSTC CS-CB Framework, Licensee shall immediately cease use of the “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme”.
    4. In the event that the GSTC-Accredited status of the ACB is removed, ceased, suspended, not renewed, or revoked, Licensee shall immediately cease use of the “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme”.

Permitted Uses

    1. The “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” shall only be used to promote its Certification Scheme Owner status.
    2. The “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” may only be used on printed, electronic, and broadcast media where it clearly pertains to the scope of the actual program with Certification Scheme Owner status and GSTC-Recognized status of the standard.
    3. The  “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” shall NOT be used where it may infer approval of other certification programs or any scope of certification beyond the limits of the scope of the GSTC CS-CB Framework.
    4. The Certification Scheme shall not alter the “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” in any way without prior written permission from GSTC.
    5. The  “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” must only be displayed against a contrasting background to ensure clear visibility and be of sufficient size such that the text component is easily readable by a person with average eyesight.
    6. The  “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” shall only be used where it is complete with all elements of the logo. Only a black version or a white version can be used to match the background and the design of the artwork where they are being used.
    7. The  “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” shall only be used on its own or alongside any logo used by the certification program.
    8. The  “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” may be used on signage, nameplates, etc., where the full logo is included.
    9. To effectively implement the placement of the  “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” and Certification Scheme’s logo across various media and contexts, you can follow the permitted uses described below:
      1. Online Platforms:Websites and Banners: Incorporate both logos in the footer or header of the website to maintain visibility on all pages. For banners,ensure both logos are prominent, either at the beginning or end of the visual.
      2. Advertising: Use both logos to align them visually with the campaign’s message. Place them in a consistent location across all advertisements, preferably where the audience can see them immediately.
      3. Events: At events, both logos can be featured on all printed materials, including tickets, brochures, and official event signage.
      4. Trade Shows/Displays: Roll-up banners and photocalls: Logos should be prominently displayed at the top or bottom of roll-up banners. For photocalls, place the logos at the top center or corners to ensure photograph visibility.
      5. Points of Sale: Place both logos at eye level on a table or shelf visible to the public.
      6. Internal Corporate Communications: Ensure both logos are used on the cover page or header/footer of internal documents, such as guidelines for employees or other internal communication documents. This helps reinforce the certification status internally.

Use by Third Party

    1. The  “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” shall not be used by a third party, including businesses or destinations certified by the ACB.

Cessation of Use

    1. If Licensee  ceases using the “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme”, it shall notify all stakeholders immediately. The Logo shall be removed from all electronic media (websites, social media, etc.) within one month, and any use on signage, nameplates, etc. shall be removed within three months.

Compliance

    1. GSTC reserves the right to audit the Licensee’s use of the “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” to ensure compliance with these terms.
    2. The license to use the “GSTC Logo For Certification Scheme” can be terminated if the Certification Scheme breaches any terms of this agreement, if the Certification Scheme status is revoked, or for any other reasons stipulated herein.

GSTC-Certified Logo – Terms of Use

Fundamental Eligibility of Use

  1. The “GSTC-Certified Logo” (as per the image above) may only be used by a tourism hotel, tour operator or destination that has been certified to the GSTC Criteria or a GSTC-Recognized Standard by a GSTC Accredited-Certification Body.
  2. The GSTC-Certified Logo may only be used when it has been issued to the tourism hotel, tour operator or destination by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.

Use Subject to These Terms

  1. Any use of the GSTC-Certified Logo is subject to these terms of use.
  2. The use of the GSTC-Certified Logo is an acknowledgement of, and agreement to these terms of use.

Ownership of Logo

  1. The intellectual property of the GSTC-Certified Logo, the trademark of the footprint device and control of the use of the GSTC logos, image and names remains with the GSTC at all times.

Use Whilst Certified

  1. The GSTC-Certified Logo may only be used whilst the tourism hotel, tour operator or destination remains certified by a GSTC-Accredited or GSTC-Approved certification program.
  2. In the event that the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body removes, ceases, suspends, fails to renew or removes certification, the hotel, tour operator or destination must immediately cease use of the Certified to the GSTC Criteria Logo.
  3. In the event that the GSTC-Accredited Certification Body is no longer GSTC Accredited, the hotel, tour operator or destination must immediately cease use of the Certified to the GSTC Criteria Logo.

Permitted Uses

  1. The GSTC-Certified Logo may only be used to promote the certified status of the actual hotel, tour operator or destination that is certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
  2. The GSTC-Certified Logo may only be used on printed, electronic and broadcast media where is clearly pertains to the status of the actual hotel, tour operator or destination that is certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
  3. The GSTC-Certified Logo may NOT be used where it may infer certification of other bodies or tourism products (e.g. use by a hotel group for all of group promotion where all hotels and not certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body).
  4. The GSTC-Certified Logo may only be used where it has a contrasting background and is of a size with the text component being readable by a person of average eyesight.
  5. The GSTC-Certified Logo may only be used where it is complete with all elements of the Logo, including the date.
  6. The GSTC-Certified Logo may only be used during the period of time that the certificate holder maintains its certification status.
  7. The GSTC-Certified Logo must be used as a supplement to the CB’s logo, appearing alongside the CB logo, and not on its own.
  8. The GSTC-Certified Logo may only be used on signage, name plates etc. where the full logo, including the date is included.

Use by Third Party

  1. Any use by a third party (e.g. in a travel agent or wholesalers brochure, or on an online travel agencies website) must be approved by the actual hotel, tour operator or destination that is certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body and is subject to these terms of use.

Record of Use

  1. The hotel, tour operator or destination must keep a digital and/or physical archive of all uses of the GSTC-Certified Logo (e.g. brochures, downloads of web pages, photos of signs etc.). This must be provided to the GSTC if requested.

Cessation of Use

  1. If the certified hotel, tour operator or destination must cease using the GSTC-Certified Logo this means that the logo must be removed from all electronic media (websites, social media etc.) within one month and any use on signage, name plates etc. must be removed within three months.
  2. If the certified hotel, tour operator or destination must cease using the GSTC-Certified Logo this means that no further printed or physical materials with the logo may be produce.

All the above terms of use are for reference to the general public. If there is any difference between what is written on this page and in the formal licensing agreement with the GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies, the logo usage detailed in the licensing agreement shall prevail.