The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course, sponsored by the Nasu Tourism Association for its employees, concluded successfully. It was held in Nasu-machi, Japan, from the 10th to the 11th of February 2025. A total of 24 participants attended the training, and GSTC Trainer Kazuhiro Arai, Representative of Daisetsuzan Nature School, led the course.
The two-day training covered the GSTC Criteria, the global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism and provided participants with insights into best practices for responsible and sustainable management. Through presentations, real-world case studies, and interactive discussions, participants examined practical ways to integrate sustainability practices into their daily work.
During the site visit, participants explored sustainable tourism initiatives in Nasu-machi, starting with Nasu Highland Park, a nature-integrated amusement park that blends entertainment with environmental consciousness. They then visited The Nasu Heisei-no-Mori Forest, a protected area showcasing Japan’s commitment to conservation, where they learned about biodiversity preservation and responsible forest management.
Finally, at the Nasu Tourism Association, they engaged with local stakeholders to understand community-driven tourism efforts, emphasizing sustainability, cultural heritage, and regional development. The visit provided valuable insights into how destinations can balance tourism growth with environmental stewardship.
“Nasu Kogen is a resort area with over 500 vacation homes. It features an amusement park and a zoo and is also part of Nikko National Park. Additionally, at a higher elevation lies Nasu Heisei no Mori, a former part of the Emperor’s Nasu Imperial Villa, which remained largely untouched by the public until recent years. Participants had the opportunity to learn practical examples of how to utilize natural resources and tourism facilities while preserving the region’s rich natural environment.” said Mr. Arai.
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.
