The 2-day Sustainable Tourism Training was held at Terceira Mar Hotel, Terceira Island, Azores, Portugal from December 3-4, 2019. The training included classroom sessions with trainer presentations, group discussions and interactive activities.
About the Training
The 2-day training class is designed for travel and tourism industry professionals interested in learning about sustainability best practices for businesses and destinations. The training covered tourism as a tool for sustainable development, sustainability best practices and the GSTC Criteria, the world’s leading standard for tourism sustainability, as well as key topics such as global trends in sustainable tourism, sustainability marketing, and sustainable tourism product development and management.
Key Training Program Highlights
- Knowledge and expertise representing the GSTC as the global authority on quality sustainable tourism standards.
- Stimulating and rewarding learning experience, being part of an interactive training with fellow participants representing a variety of public, private, academic and non-profit entities.
- Practical insights on promoting sustainable and responsible travel experiences through case studies and best practice examples.
- the opportunity to participate in the official GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) Exam, and upon successful completion, receive a Certificate in Sustainable Tourism by the GSTC to demonstrate your knowledge of sustainable tourism standards and practices.
GSTC Certificate in Sustainable Tourism
Participants that completed this 2-day training class of the STTP have met the training requirement towards earning the GSTC Certificate in Sustainable Tourism.
They now have have access to the official STTP Exam, and upon successful completion (75% and above passing mark is required), will receive a Certificate in Sustainable Tourism by the GSTC to demonstrate their knowledge of sustainable tourism standards and practices.
Trainers & Presenters
Nicola Koschel, GSTC Trainer
Nicola Koschel is an independent tourism consultant based in Germany, with a focus on the sustainable development and environmental management of tourism. After graduating from a BBA in Tourism Management and Consultancy (NHTV-NL) she obtained a Master in Sustainable Tourism Management (HNEE-DE). Since 2007, Nicola has worked with and for NGOs, specialist researchers, federal ministries, the German Development Cooperation, the European Commission as well as by order of renowned consultancy firms. Her work portfolio involves product and destination development, feasibility studies, project evaluation, consumer market research, design of appropriate marketing strategies and the organization of study trips, tourism awards, and conferences. Nicola serves on the GSTC Accreditation Panel on behalf of WWF, and is also a member of GSTC’s International Standards Working Group.
Ayako Ezaki, GSTC Training Director
Ayako Ezaki is Co-Founder and Head of Knowledge Management & Communications at TrainingAid, an international tourism and training company offering online training courses and skills development opportunities for tourism industry professionals. Having worked for many years in tourism professional training and education in the non-profit sector, Ayako specializes in content building, educational program design, and project planning. She also brings many years of experience in online communications, social media marketing, and web publishing. Through TrainingAid’s partnership with the GSTC, Ayako serves as Training Director for the GSTC to develop, manage and market the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP). She regularly leads, facilitates and organizes training classes and online courses on sustainable tourism, helping hundreds of tourism industry professionals from around the world gain a deeper understanding of the sustainable tourism standard and practical insights into effective sustainability actions.
Randy Durband, GSTC CEO
Randy Durband has had two careers in travel and tourism – twenty-plus years in senior leadership positions at some of the finest U.S. tour operators, having served as President for Travcoa, INTRAV, and Clipper Cruise Lines, (brands within TUI Travel plc), plus Executive Vice President of Tauck World Discovery. Following that, in his second travel and tourism career, Randy advanced the work of Sustainable Tourism as an advisor, consultant, and speaker.
He brings his knowledge of the business of travel, his global network of travel professionals, and a passion for sustainability to support the GSTC and the general sustainable tourism movement. He has held several board positions and committee memberships in travel and tourism organizations, and is a frequent speaker on sustainable tourism issues.
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:
- In-person 2- or 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).
Stay Up-To-Date:
- See all the upcoming training classes of the STTP.
- Sign up to receive email updates on the STTP.
