The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. 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 role in providing assurance for impartiality and competence of Certification Programs 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 it provides assurance for those that do.

The GSTC is an independent and neutral organization, legally registered in the USA as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGO’s, national and provincial governments, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

Hotels & Hospitality

Sustainability

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Randy Durband

Mihee Kang

Cb Ramkumar

Richard Denman

David Andrés Ortegón - Martínez

Estefanía Del Azar

Steve Noakes

Roi Ariel

Rita Kuan

Jorge Moller

Jackie Denman

Ioannis Pappas

The Technical and Assurance Team at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is tasked with developing, maintaining, and updating the GSTC Criteria, ensuring they remain relevant and effective. This team also oversees the assurance processes for certification programs, ensuring they meet the highest standards of impartiality and competence. Additionally, they handle audits, measurements, and reporting, guaranteeing that certifications reflect true adherence to sustainable tourism practices.

Technical and Assurance Team

Training and Coordination Team

Program Management Team

Technical and Assurance Team

About

Team members

Other teams at Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Training and Coordination Team

Program Management Team