VisitScotland has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Scotland is known for its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. With its mountain ranges, lochs, and historic sites, the country offers a mix of natural and historical attractions. From castles and ancient landmarks to modern cities, Scotland reflects a blend of tradition and contemporary life.
Sustainability in Scotland
The Scottish Government aims to establish Scotland as Europe’s most sustainable destination, an ambition that aligns with ongoing efforts within the tourism sector. VisitScotland contributes to this goal by producing annual sustainability and biodiversity reports, which outline the measures taken to support sustainable tourism development. These reports highlight initiatives that drive environmental responsibility across the industry, aiming to reinforce Scotland’s commitment to protecting its natural and cultural heritage while promoting responsible travel.
- Measure, monitor, and report on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Energy efficiency and renewables
- Resource use and waste reduction (circularity)
- Low carbon consumption
- Low carbon transport and active travel
- Climate change adaptation
- Protect and restore natural environments
VisitScotland’s action plan also aligns with The Glasgow Declaration. The Glasgow Declaration is a catalyst for increased urgency about the need to accelerate climate action in tourism and to secure strong actions and commitment to support the global goals to halve emissions over the next decade and reach Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050.
More information can be found below:
- VisitScotland’s 2024 Annual Report here.
- VisitScotland’s latest Sustainability Report here.
- VisitScotland: Destination Net Zero Climate Action Plan here.
- VisitScotland’s Biodiversity Report here.
As part of its new Business Support Programme, VisitScotland provides a range of free resources to support businesses in adopting responsible tourism practices, including guidance on reducing their environmental impact. ‘Reduce Your Climate Impact Guide’ offers practical steps to help organizations measure, manage, and lower their carbon footprint. The guide emphasizes the importance of sustainable operations, from energy efficiency and waste reduction to promoting low-carbon travel options and phasing out single-use items in favor of reusable goods and services. By integrating these practices, businesses can contribute to Scotland’s net-zero goals while enhancing their resilience and appeal to environmentally conscious travelers.
“Joining networks like the Global Sustainable Tourism Council who are focused on setting and improving sustainability standards is an important step to further our own sustainability goals, share learnings, and ensure Scotland is protected and preserved for the future. We look forward to working with other council members towards our aligned environmental aims.”
GSTC Welcomes VisitScotland
“We extend a warm welcome to VisitScotland as a new member of GSTC and value their commitment in supporting our mission. We look forward to working with them to advance sustainable tourism practices in their region,” says Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.
About VisitScotland
VisitScotland is Scotland’s national tourism organisation. Its core purpose is to drive the visitor economy, growing its value in Scotland. As an economic growth agency, its activity focuses on three key priorities – market development, place development, and business and experience development. VisitScotland’s work helps deliver the ambitions of the national tourism strategy, Scotland Outlook 2030, for Scotland to be a world leader in 21st-century tourism, and the national events strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage. It leverages tourism and events as a force for good for all of Scotland’s people and places and builds Scotland’s international profile as a leading place to visit, live, work, study and do business. VisitScotland is a proud signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and Tourism Declares a Climate Emergency.
More information here: https://www.visitscotland.org/
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, the GSTC Standards, also known as the GSTC Standards. The GSTC Destination Standard for public policy-makers and destination managers, GSTC Hotel Standard & GSTC Tour Operator Standard, GSTC MICE Standard for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions, and the GSTC Attraction Standard 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 Standards 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
Statements expressed in this announcement are presented for informational purposes only and should not be taken as an endorsement or recommendation by GSTC, unless clearly stated.
Photos © VisitScotland
