The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course, sponsored by Amakusa Sustainable Tourism Council, held from December 17th to 19th, 2024, concluded successfully. It took place at a historical site of an early educational center in Amakusa City, Kumamoto, Japan, characterized by numerous museums and World Heritage churches across the islands. A total of 21 participants attended the training, and GSTC Trainer Mami Futagami, Dr. Professor Emeritus at Meijo University, led the course.
“Most participants were members of the Amakusa Treasure Island Guide Association, which offers guided tours to people visiting the important cultural landscape designated area. Engaging with highly dedicated local guides and other professionals was an invaluable and rewarding opportunity. I hope what they learned in training will help them integrate sustainability policies and practices into their guided tours and pass on the priceless cultural legacy to the next generations,” said Dr. Futagami.
As a guest speaker, Mr. Hiroyoshi Kanazawa, President of the Amakusa Treasure Island Guide Association, talked to the participants about how local guides have helped convey the cultural and historical meaning of Amakusa’s “Hidden Christians” tradition, nurtured during the era of religious oppression and other historical events, to the over 1.5 million tourists visiting Amakusa annually. Moreover, he gave a detailed guide to the participants during the third day of fieldwork.
The participants gained in-depth knowledge of the Gion Bridge’s historically significant structure, the religious heritage of the Amakusa Christian Museum, and other distinctive historical sites.
The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course provided the participants with the essential knowledge and skills to champion sustainable tourism practices. It presented an excellent opportunity to delve into the GSTC Criteria the global standards for sustainability in tourism and travel. The inclusion of global and local case studies enhanced the value of the training.
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.
