The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course, sponsored by Nikko Natural Science Museum for their employees and locals, concluded successfully. It was held in Nikko City, Japan, from the 19th to the 21st of January 2025. A total of 17 participants attended the training, and GSTC Trainer Kazuhiro Arai, Representative of Daisetsuzan Nature School, led the course.
The 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 a combination of presentations, case studies, and group discussions, attendees explored practical approaches to applying sustainability practices in their daily work.
As part of the training, participants took part in a field visit to Nikko City Hall, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and Nikko Woodcarving Village Craft Center, where they examined sustainability challenges and observed how different stakeholders integrate sustainable practices in their management. These visits provided valuable real-world examples of sustainability in action, complementing the theoretical aspects of the course.
“Nikkō Tōshō－gū is a Shinto shrine located in Nikkō, Tochigi Prefecture. It enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Era. This shrine serves as the most important and central shrine among all the Tōshō-gū shrines across Japan. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. This area is also in Nikko National Park. The class turned out to be a valuable opportunity to assess the region’s strengths and challenges from a GSTC perspective. A diverse group of stakeholders, including tourism associations, guides, lodging businesses, and park management foundations, actively participated, contributing to a dynamic discussion,” 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.
