The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course, sponsored by the Tokyo Mountain Side DMC Co, for their stakeholders concluded successfully. It was held in Akiruno City, Tokyo, Japan, from the 7th to the 9th of January 2025. Nineteen participants attended the training, which was delivered by GSTC Trainer Kazuhiro Arai, Representative of Daisetsuzan Nature School, alongside Co-Trainer Moe Nakane of Ezoshika Travel.
The training covered the GSTC Criteria, the global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism and provided participants with insights into best practices. Attendees engaged in a mix of presentations, case studies, and group discussions, gaining practical insights into implementing sustainability practices in their workplace.
As part of the training, participants took a site visit to a Goelogical observation and history hike along the Akigawa Valley, they also visited the Akigawa River BBQ Park and did a river clean up and saw the Akiruno Shrine, stopping by Masuya Japanese Sweet shop.
“The Akigawa River Valley, located in Tokyo’s western region, offers remarkable geological features that showcase distinctive patterns of tectonic plate movement. During our field trip, we observed these unique geological strata and learned how local volunteer groups and guides play a crucial role in preserving and maintaining this natural heritage.” said Mr. Arai.
“The valley is home to a popular BBQ park that attracts many visitors, particularly families during the summer months. However, this increased tourism has led to waste management challenges that the community is actively addressing,” and continued: “We also visited the historic Akiru Shrine, which houses both tangible and intangible cultural assets. The tangible assets include the shrine’s physical structures while the intangible cultural heritage is represented through its traditional festivals (matsuri) that have been preserved through generations. A key focus of our field trip was understanding the balanced approach to utilizing natural resources sustainably. We learned about the importance of responsible tourism and how it can contribute to both environmental conservation and economic development. The local community’s efforts to preserve their historical and cultural heritage while promoting tourism demonstrate a thoughtful approach to sustainable development.”
Upon successful course completion, participants receive a certificate of completion and become eligible to take an optional official exam to obtain the GSTC Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism.
If you are interested in contributing to the industry’s sustainable transformation, consider checking out GSTC’s upcoming courses here.
