In collaboration with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA, previously SHA), the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) will host a workshop about “Putting Standards and Certification to Good Use” at the Hospitality Show 2024 which is held in San Antonio, Texas, on October 30th, 2024.
Join us for an educational session on “Putting Standards and Certification to Good Use” at 2:30 PM. This 90-minute presentation, led by GSTC CEO Randy Durband and Assurance Director Dr. Mihee Kang, is designed for policy-makers, marketers, trade associations, and destination marketing organizations (DMOs) seeking to enhance their sustainability efforts.
Attendees will gain insights into international certification norms and the importance of accredited certifications. The session will cover global trends in sustainability regulations, including environmental impacts, DEI, and community engagement. Additionally, participants will learn about the implications of the EU Green Claims Directive for North American hotels targeting European travelers. This session aims to equip hospitality professionals with the knowledge to leverage standards and certifications effectively for meaningful achievements in sustainability.
Date: October 30, 2024
Time: 2:30 – 4:00 PM
Venue: Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, Texas
Speakers
Randy Durband – GSTC Chief Executive Officer 
Randy Durband has had two careers in travel and tourism – twenty-plus years in senior leadership positions at some of the finest U.S. tour operators, having served as President for Travcoa, INTRAV, and Clipper Cruise Lines, (brands within TUI Travel plc), plus Executive Vice President of Tauck World Discovery. Following that, in his second travel and tourism career, Randy advanced the work of Sustainable Tourism as an advisor, consultant, and speaker. He brings his knowledge of the business of travel, his global network of travel professionals, and a passion for sustainability to support the GSTC and the general sustainable tourism movement. He has held several board positions and committee memberships in travel and tourism organizations, and is a frequent speaker on sustainable tourism issues.
Dr. Mihee Kang – GSTC Global Assurance Director
Dr. Mihee Kang is the GSTC Global Assurance Director, as well as an authorized trainer and destination assessor. She has taught and researched ecotourism and sustainable tourism at several universities since receiving her Ph.D. degree in 1999 from Seoul National University. As the first Ph.D. in ecotourism in S. Korea and a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve (MAB) Young Scientists Awards 2000 winner, she has been involved in sustainable tourism policy development and sustainability assessments of various types of destinations in S. Korea and other countries over 30 years. She has served in both domestic and international organizations such as Korean Geopark Committee, Korea Islands Foundation, Korea Trails and Culture, Jeju World Heritage Committee, Korea Forest Education Committee, Asian Ecotourism Network, etc. She has actively participated in numerous research projects and ODA projects in Korea and abroad. Dr. Kang has published many articles and books including a recent book about ecotourism in Asian countries.
Note for the registration:
This session is offered to those attending the Hospitality Show 2024, but we kindly request you register ahead of time due to demand and limited sitting capacity.