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)

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)'s headquarters in Washington, DC, United States

Randy Durband

Roi Ariel

Emi K.

Jorge Moller

Mihee Kang

The Training and Coordination Team at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is responsible for developing and delivering educational programs, coordinating events and memberships, managing online training sessions, and ensuring the accreditation of training programs. The team works to equip tourism industry stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement and uphold the GSTC Criteria, striving to foster global best practices in sustainable tourism.

Training and Coordination Team

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

The Program Management Team at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is responsible for overseeing the implementation and coordination of the GSTC Criteria across various regions. This includes managing regional programs, liaising with local stakeholders, providing support and guidance to certification bodies, and ensuring compliance with global standards. The team also collaborates with industry stakeholders to promote best practices in sustainable tourism and facilitate capacity building in the field.

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Org chart

Teams

Training and Coordination Team

Technical and Assurance Team

Program Management Team

Offices

Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)

Org chart

Teams

Training and Coordination Team

Technical and Assurance Team

Program Management Team

Offices

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