The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) took place from 11-12 May 2017. An international group of tourism industry professionals from the United States, Canada, Germany, the Philippines and Turkey gathered for the 2-day intensive and interactive training class. The training class was led by Kathleen Pessolano, GSTC Trainer and Destination Program Director, and was hosted in Washington DC with the support of World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Focused on the GSTC Criteria, the training class covered key topics such as sustainable tourism management at the organization and destination level, and sustainable tourism marketing.


Training featured a dialogue with Jessica Pawlik, Manager Tourism Development Services, of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. The Cayman Islands has participated in the GSTC Destinations Program since 2015.

Ms. Pawlik spoke about how Cayman Islands is applying both the GSTC Criteria for Industry to guide Cayman stakeholder practices, and the GSTC Criteria for Destinations to guide Cayman Islands tourism development. The Cayman Islands underwent a GSTC Destination Evaluation in 2015, and the destination is strategically applying the GSTC recommendations in their national tourism planning strategy, with a particular focus on visitor management.

More about the STTP

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) offers practical insights and effective steps to help you improve your sustainability practices. With the aim of strengthening awareness of sustainable tourism in destinations around the world, the training program covers global trends in sustainable tourism and sustainability best practices for businesses and destinations.

Designed as a intensive and interactive training experience led by expert GSTC Trainer(s), STTP training classes are offered throughout the year, and provide two options for completing the training requirement towards earning the GSTC Certificate in Sustainable Tourism:

  • Onsite 3-day training classes (Face-to-face training classes offered throughout the year in various locations around the world).
  • Online 4-week training classes (Online scheduled training classes led by GSTC trainers, available at least 4 times a year).

See all the upcoming training classes of the STTP.