A successful first GSTC Sustainable Tourism Online Course in French language took place from September 24th to October 24th, 2024. The training was sponsored by Tourisme Cantons-de-I’Est, and led by GSTC Trainers, Catherine Germier-Hamel and Sonja Gottlebe who shared their extensive knowledge through practical examples and industry insights. The training equipped participants with tools to implement sustainable practices in tourism businesses and destinations.
“It is estimated that there are around 220 million native French speakers worldwide. I firmly believe that learning in one’s mother tongue offers invaluable benefits, including deeper connection and comprehension, enhanced academic performance, and stronger critical thinking. Delivering the first GSTC course on Sustainable Tourism in French for the Cantons was not only an enjoyable and enriching human experience but also an important milestone highlighting how localization and customization are essential for optimizing educational and capacity-building outcomes,” said Catherine Germier-Hamel.
Over the course of a month, 34 participants were educated on the GSTC Criteria—global standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. The event also featured distinguished guest speakers Fanny Beaulieu Cormier, Sustainable Development Consultant from Tourisme Montreal and Paule Rochette and Benoit Paquette from Hebergement aux Cinq Sens in Québec, François Schnoebelen, Director of Ecole Paul Dubrulle- Siem Reap, Daren Moodley from Tourism Authority – Ile Maurice, Dr Anjara Salome from CETAMADA Madagascar, offering participants firsthand insights into the journey of achieving sustainable excellence.
«Thank you Tourisme Cantons-de-I’Est for sponsoring this first French training with such enthusiastic participants! New horizons are now opening up for GSTC as we have also started a new database of Francophone case studies. Each French-language training will evolve, improve, and enrich the tools with new destinations. For my part, I am grateful to have been able to participate in planting these new seeds” said Sonja Gottebe.
Upon successful course completion, participants will receive a certificate of attendance and become eligible to take an optional official exam in French 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.
