The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is based on a mutual interest to advance a more resilient and sustainable travel and tourism industry through collaborative activities. These initiatives include the exchange of information, joint outreach efforts, and coordinated events aligned with ITA’s strategic goals. As well as specific activities focused on educational efforts such as webinars, events, and training sessions to inform stakeholders about opportunities to foster sustainable practices in line with the fourth pillar of its National Travel and Tourism Strategy.

This partnership will also support activities to facilitate international trade and commerce, educate the public about the economic benefits of trade, enhance awareness of ITA and other U.S. government resources available to U.S. companies and foreign investors, and encourage U.S. businesses interested in exporting, and foreign businesses interested in investing in the United States, to seek the assistance of ITA.

GSTC shares ITA’s interest in promoting the sustainability of tourism in the  U.S. industry, helping businesses increase their sustainability efforts, and improving the global business environment.

About the International Trade Administration (ITA)

ITA strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. industry, promotes trade and investment, and ensures fair trade through the rigorous enforcement of trade laws and agreements. ITA works to improve the global business environment and helps U.S. organizations compete at home and abroad.  

Click here to visit ITA’s Strategic Partnership Program here

About GSTC

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are four sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, Industry Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators, MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions, and Attraction Criteria for tourist attractions such as theme parks, museums, and national parks. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do. 

GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism. The GSTC is an ISEAL Community Member, a global membership organization for ambitious, collaborative, and transparent sustainability systems. 

Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/