The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is the leading global authority that sets and manages standards for what can be considered "sustainable" in the travel and tourism industry. It has developed Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria to define sustainable tourism through standards for hotels, tour operators, and destinations that are measurable and credible. The GSTC works to recognize certification schemes that meet its criteria and advocates for sustainability in the industry.

1. Global StandardsGlobal Standards
for Sustainability infor Sustainability in
Travel & TourismTravel & Tourism
GSTCGSTC

2. What is the GSTC?
It is the leading global authority in
setting and managing standards for
what can be called “sustainable” in
travel & tourism

3. Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
Supporters include:
–UNWTO, UNEP, UN Foundation
–Rainforest Alliance, Conservation
International
–TUI Travel, Sabre, Fairmont, Caesars
–PATA, ATTA, ASTA, ANVR
–Travelife, Travel Weekly

4. Demand is growing for sustainability
• 1 in 2 consumers would be willing to
book a more sustainable holiday if
available (TUI Travel global research 2010)
• 2 in 3 consumers
would change their
behavior on holiday
to help the
environment (TUI Travel
global research 2010)

5. Standards are Important
-- Highest Level: 3rd-Party
Certification by a
GSTC-Recognized certifier
-- 3rd-Party Certification
-- 3rd-Party Verification
-- Lowest level: Self-Assessment
How
sustainability
is measured:

6. GSTC’s Core Activities:
1. Criteria for Sustainability
 Hotel & Tour Operator Criteria - 2008,
revised 2012
 Destination Criteria - released Nov 2013
1. Recognition & Accreditation of
Sustainable Certification Schemes
– There are 140+ certification schemes
worldwide
– 19 of them are “Recognized” & 1 “Approved”
by GSTC as of March 2014

7. GSTC’s Core Activities, continued:
3. Destinations
– “Early Adopters” program 2012-13
– “Destination Partner Program” - new for 2014 –
assessments, recommendations, training for
sustainability – see www.gstcouncil.org/dpp
4. Education & Training – formal program to
be released in 2014
5. Advocacy for sustainability in travel &
tourism

8. • Created with the input of experts, groups
and companies from around the planet.
• Define sustainable tourism in a way that is
actionable, measurable and credible.
• A minimum standard of sustainability for
tourism businesses and destinations across
the globe.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria

9. Criteria Applicability
• Worldwide applicabilityWorldwide applicability
• Suitable for developed and developingSuitable for developed and developing
countriescountries
• For large and small businesses andFor large and small businesses and
destinationsdestinations
• For urban, rural, and natural areasFor urban, rural, and natural areas
• Considering traditional and indigenousConsidering traditional and indigenous
communitiescommunities

10. Certification Framework
GSTC sets standards
Certification Bodies become GSTC-Recognized
-- CB’s can be non-profit, gov’t agencies, for-profits --
Travel Companies get certified as “sustainable”
-- hotels, tour operators, sellers of travel –
(by Certification Bodies, not by the GSTC)

11. www.gstcouncil.org
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