Latest GSTC News and Updates

12 12, 2018

Sustainable Tourism Professionals Gathered at the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2018 in Maun, Botswana

rariel2019-08-06T22:18:35+08:00December 12th, 2018|

Sustainable Tourism Professionals Gathered at the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2018 in Maun, Botswana The Global Sustainable Tourism Conference 2018 in Maun, Botswana, which was organized by Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) and the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC), brought together 150 delegates from 26 countries, as well as hundreds of viewers joining the live [...]

1 12, 2018

The GSTC Destination Criteria Revision Has Begun – have your say

rariel2019-01-01T21:39:52+08:00December 1st, 2018|

The GSTC Destination Criteria revision has begun. According to the GSTC-D Revision Term of Reference, the revision schedule is as follow: Start December 2018: Announcement through publication of these Terms of Reference Early December 2018 – early March 2019: First round consultation Early March 2019 – end May 2019: Resolution/publish response to comments Start June 2019 [...]

1 12, 2018

The GSTC Destination Criteria revision underway – Join the public consultation

rariel2023-06-14T08:29:00+08:00December 1st, 2018|

The GSTC Destination Criteria revision underway - Join the public consultation The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) invites you to have input into the revision of the GSTC Criteria for Destinations (GSTC Destination Criteria). The GSTC Criteria serve as the global baseline standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. They are the result of [...]

28 11, 2018

New guidance on Tourism and Visitor Management in Protected Areas released by IUCN

rariel2018-11-30T23:00:04+08:00November 28th, 2018|

IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA) has released a new publication titled "Tourism and Visitor Management in Protected Areas", guidelines to help protected area authorities establish sustainable tourism and visitation. Many protected areas are managed for tourism and visitation as one component of achieving their purpose, involving a wide range of stakeholders, including [...]

19 11, 2018

GSTC in Portugal: Cultural Sustainable Destinations without Borders International Summit

rariel2018-12-01T09:52:37+08:00November 19th, 2018|

On November 15-17, 2018, the "International Summit: Cultural Sustainable Destinations without Borders" was organized by the GSTC Member Responsible Tourism Institute (RTI) and Historical Villages of Portugal. The summit aimed at discussing, reflecting on and raising awareness of a common policy directed to alternative destinations. "The absence of a concrete definition for an alternative [...]

16 11, 2018

GSTC in Canada: Keynoting TOTA AGM & Summit

rariel2018-11-30T23:09:39+08:00November 16th, 2018|

On November 13 & 14, 2018, the TOTA Annual General Meeting & Tourism Summit took place in Osoyoos, BC, Canada, with the theme “Drive for Sustainability." GSTC CEO, Randy Durband, keynoted the summit, along with Honorable Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture British Columbia; Glenn Mandziuk, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association; Marsha Walden, Destination British Columbia; and Angela Nagy, Greenstep Solutions Inc.

10 11, 2018

GSTC Member Viajar Verde Wins the WTM International Travel & Tourism Awards 2018: Best Digital Influencer in the Industry

rariel2018-11-30T22:48:58+08:00November 10th, 2018|

GSTC Member Viajar Verde Wins the WTM International Travel & Tourism Awards 2018: Best Digital Influencer in the Industry WTM has announced the 2018 International Travel & Tourism Awards winners at the WTM awards ceremony, on Tuesday 6 November 2018, at London’s Tobacco Dock. The 500+ travel professionals who attended cheered their success and [...]

9 11, 2018

GSTC in the Philippines: Training in Davao Region

rariel2018-12-01T08:27:53+08:00November 9th, 2018|

As part of Davao Region's pursuit to a more sustainable and inclusive growth tourism and in order to fully implement the UNWTO global sustainability measures, a 3-day Sustainable Tourism Standards Training for Destinations was conducted on 5-7 November 2018, at Seda Abreeza Hotel in Davao City. The training was facilitated by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council [...]

4 11, 2018

GSTC Training in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia with MarkPlus Center for Tourism and Hospitality

Ayako Ezaki2018-11-28T20:57:46+08:00November 4th, 2018|

The GSTC has partnered with the MarkPlus Center for Tourism & Hospitality to deliver a 3-day training class of the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP), from 29-31 October 2018, in Sanur, Bali, Indonesia (co-hosted by Griya Santrian Hotel). Led by GSTC Trainer and Asia Pacific Program Director Dr. Mihee Kang, the training class [...]

30 10, 2018

GSTC Training in Vail, CO, USA with Walking Mountains Science Center

Ayako Ezaki2018-11-28T20:58:48+08:00October 30th, 2018|

The GSTC Training Partner Walking Mountains Science Center delivered a 2-day training class of the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) from October 25-26, 2018, led by Dr. Kim Langmaid, GSTC Trainer and the Founder of the Walking Mountains Science Center. The training class was attended by local and regional tourism industry stakeholders, representing [...]

29 10, 2018

Loved to death: tipping point to prevent popular destinations in Southeast Asia from being ruined (Bangkok Post)

rariel2020-05-31T19:23:19+08:00October 29th, 2018|

"With tourism arrivals tripling over the past two decades, the region has reached a tipping point in terms of its ability to prevent popular destinations from being ruined But wherever tourism is developed, it is critical to preserve both natural resources and local culture, says Mr Randy Durband, GSTC CEO." Read the full article: Loved [...]

26 10, 2018

GSTC in Malaga, Spain

rariel2018-10-31T14:27:15+08:00October 26th, 2018|

The Delegation of Environment and Promotion of the Territory of Málaga, Spain, hosted the III Malaga Viva Annual Meeting (III Encuentro Anual Málaga Viva), a province against climate change on October 23, 2018. GSTC Chair, Mr. Luigi Cabrini, participated in a dialogue on climate change, along with, Alicia Torrego (CONAMA) and Mariano Sidrach (Fundación Renovables). [...]

19 10, 2018

GSTC Member Transat becomes first major international tour operator to earn full Travelife certification

rariel2021-12-23T07:18:43+08:00October 19th, 2018|

GSTC Member Transat, one of the largest integrated tourism companies in the world and Canada's holiday travel leader, is now Travelife Certified. This marks the first time that this international certification has been awarded to a major international tour operator for the full range of its activities. This recognition underscores Transat's longstanding efforts and leadership in sustainable [...]

18 10, 2018

GSTC Keynotes the International Cruise Forum in Taiwan 2018

rariel2018-10-31T14:27:21+08:00October 18th, 2018|

On October 6, GSTC Chair, Mr. Luigi Cabrini, delivered the keynote speech at the International Cruise Forum in Taiwan 2018, hosted by Taiwan Tourism Bureau. “Whatever the stage of development of a destination, a susustainability-based strategy is essential, and the GSTC criteria provide a comprehensive and practical reference,” said Mr. Cabrini. [...]

18 10, 2018

Vireo Srl promotes Certifications According to the GSTC Criteria in Italy

rariel2018-10-31T12:52:11+08:00October 18th, 2018|

On October 2nd Vireo srl organized a conference concerning the certifications according to the GSTC criteria (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) at the municipal hall of Sesto, Italy. Many speakers took part during the event with significant speeches about the sustainability in the tourism market, especially regarding hotel industry. The event started with four main contributors: first, [...]

12 10, 2018

The Case for Responsible Travel: Trends & Statistics 2018

rariel2020-05-31T17:35:25+08:00October 12th, 2018|

The Center for Responsible Travel has released its annual report, “The Case for Responsible Travel: Trends & Statistics 2018.” This report provides the tourism industry with key examples and best practices for mainstreaming responsible travel and addressing the complex issue of overtourism. "Certification continues to play an important role among responsibly-minded businesses, with the [...]

9 10, 2018

Audubon: How Ecotourists Can Avoid Getting Greenwashed

rariel2019-04-09T07:30:35+08:00October 9th, 2018|

"Look for seals of approval from Global Sustainable Tourism Council, The Long Run, and Rainforest Alliance; all of these groups factor energy and water use, as well as sustainability and improving the livelihoods of local people. " Randy Durband, CEO of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, emphasizes the importance of choosing accredited accommodations and operators. “Certification equals [...]

4 10, 2018

GSTC Training in Pattaya, Thailand with Mae Fah Luang University

Ayako Ezaki2018-10-04T21:31:00+08:00October 4th, 2018|

The GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) offered a 3-day training class for representatives of Mae Fah Luang University (28-30 September 2018). The training was attended by an interdisciplinary group of professionals representing various fields including architecture, law, environmental science and business management. The training was delivered by Dr. Mihee Kang (GSTC Trainer and Asia [...]

28 09, 2018

The Telegraph Article About Bhutan, with GSTC CEO, Randy Durband, Quoted

rariel2019-04-09T07:30:35+08:00September 28th, 2018|

"Today, tourism is second only to hydropower in terms of revenue. Happily, the demand for guides and drivers creates employment and provides income opportunities via the sale of handicrafts, etc. Moreover, US$65 of the US$250 fee goes to the government who in reinvest it into free education and healthcare for citizens. But some are [...]

13 09, 2018

Vireo Srl Achieves GSTC-Accredited Status

rariel2022-07-12T08:36:50+08:00September 13th, 2018|

September 13, 2018 – The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that Vireo Srl has achieved the ‘GSTC-Accredited’ status. Achieving the GSTC-Accredited status means that a certification program is following processes and procedures that have been reviewed and approved by the GSTC Accreditation Panel and by ASI (Accreditation Services International), GSTC’s [...]