“We always talk about how much money we make from tourism — but not what it costs to sustain it.” — Peter Semone, Chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Tourism is more than numbers. Peter is calling for a shift away from focusing solely on revenue, but looking at tourism through the lens of its true cost to destinations. In Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet, he outlines his vision for a sector that balances impact with income, and gives local communities the power to say yes to tourism — on their terms. 🎥 Watch the full interview and explore the series: https://lnkd.in/dUqBdtPw #GSTC #TravelRedefined #SustainableTourism #TourismForPeopleAndPlanet #ResponsibleTravel #SustainableTravel #EcoTourism #RegenerativeTourism #GSTCStandards #TourismForGood #TourismLeadership #SustainableHospitality #TourismInnovation #TourismPolicy #NetZeroTourism #SDGsInTourism #EcoFriendlyTravel #TravelResponsibly #LeaveNoTrace #SustainableTourismLeadership 🎥: Content With Purpose
Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
Travel Arrangements
Washington, DC 58,330 followers
Managing the GSTC Criteria, global sustainability standards in travel and tourism.
About us
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, the GSTC Standards, also known as the GSTC Criteria. 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.
- Website
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https://www.gstc.org/
External link for Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
- Industry
- Travel Arrangements
- Company size
- 11-50 employees
- Headquarters
- Washington, DC
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 2007
- Specialties
- Development of International Sustainability Standards, Sustainability Education and Training, Promotion of Sustainable Destinations, Accreditation for Standards and Certification Programs, GSTC Criteria, Sustainability Standards, and Mainstreaming Sustainable Tourism
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
PO Box 96503 #51887
Washington, DC 20090-6503, US
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Get directions
Capitán Haya 42
Madrid, 28020, ES
Employees at Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
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Ayako Ezaki
Managing Partner at TrainingAid
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Benjamin Wong
Co-founder & CEO at Tricolage | Sustainable Tourism Consulting
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Kate Heiny
Global Sustainability Executive & NED | Transforming Business through Climate Leadership, Philanthropic Strategy & ESG Governance
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Patrick Kuehn
Sustainable Tourism Expert | GSTC Auditor - Hotel + Tour Operator | 5 Languages | ISO 14001
Updates
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👋 Don't miss our #GSTCWebinar for Members: A call to action: Protecting children in travel and tourism. Child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) is a global problem that affects all industries, including travel and tourism. While travel brings joy to millions, the unfortunate reality is that some offenders exploit travel and tourism infrastructure to commit crimes against children. The good news is that travel industry professionals are often on the front lines—meeting traveller's, welcoming guests, and providing services—which gives them a unique opportunity to notice warning signs, take action, and help protect children. In this webinar, Jacqueline Bottner from ICMEC Australia will explore how your organisation's work can intersect with CSEA and share practical guidance on how to start embedding child protection into your operations, empowering your staff to be part of the solution 🗣️Speakers: • Jacqueline Bottner, Senior Coordinator, Corporate Engagement at International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) 🗓️Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025 ⏰Time: 10:00 CET I 16:00 ICT I 17:00 SGT I 20:00 AEDT 👉Register now here: https://lnkd.in/dKiqGqwG #GSTC #GSTCWebinar #Sustainability #SustainableTourism #Children
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GSTC Chair, Luigi Cabrini, gave a presentation titled “GSTC Global Standards Reference for Sustainability Certifications,” at the closing event of the European I-STARS project in Mallorca, Spain. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/djuMKG3h #GSTC #GSTCNews #GSTCStandards #Sustainability #Mallorca #Spain
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📊 Survey invitation: How is your destination adapting to climate change? ITB Berlin, together with mascontour, invites our network to take part in a short anonymous survey on climate adaptation in tourism destinations. ⏰It takes less than 10 minutes to complete. 📋The result will be presented at the ITB Berlin Convention 2026. Share your insights here: https://lnkd.in/eK83iBCG #GSTC #Sustainability #Destination #ITBBerlin #Mascontour #Survey mascontour - Sustainable Tourism Consulting & Communication ITB Berlin
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In the Cook Islands, tourism isn’t just about arrival numbers — it’s about values. This film explores how the GSTC Members Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, are building a more meaningful visitor economy grounded in three core values: Kia Orana, Meitaki, and Mana Tiaki. By honoring people and nature equally, the islands are showing how tourism can uplift communities, protect the environment, and stay true to culture. 🎥 Watch the short film and explore the full story on the series site: https://lnkd.in/dWayW9s5 🎤: Karla Eggelton #GSTC #GSTCMember #TravelRedefined #SustainableTourism #TourismForPeopleAndPlanet #ResponsibleTravel #SustainableTravel #EcoTourism #RegenerativeTourism #GSTCStandards #TourismForGood #TourismLeadership #SustainableHospitality #TourismInnovation #TourismPolicy #NetZeroTourism #SDGsInTourism #EcoFriendlyTravel #TravelResponsibly #LeaveNoTrace #SustainableTourismLeadership 🎥: Content With Purpose
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👋 Let’s learn more about the GSTC Destination Standard, Criterion D11, ‘Low-impact Transportation,’ with the example of GSTC Member Québec City, Canada. GSTC Member, Québec City is actively reducing transportation-related emissions through its Sustainable Mobility Plan, which aligns with the province’s goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 37.5% below 1990 levels by 2030. The city is investing in significant infrastructure, including an electric tramway system set to launch by 2029 and a fully electric bus fleet by 2040. Cycling infrastructure spans over 400 km, with efforts to double cycling trips by 2030, while seasonal pedestrian zones in Old Québec reduce congestion and promote walking. With over 200 public EV charging stations, support for car sharing and e-bikes, and integrated transport passes for tourists, Québec City is reshaping urban mobility toward a low-emissions future. If you want to know more about the GSTC Destination Standard, click here: https://lnkd.in/dv6hCxTt More information about Transportation in Québec City here: https://lnkd.in/dmYiWGHp #GSTC #GSTCNews #GSTCStandards #Sustainability #GSTCDestinationStandard #Destinations #Quebec #Canada #Transportation #Impact #Environment
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It's tomorrow! #GSTCWebinar for Members ⤵️
👋 Don't miss our #GSTCWebinar for Members "Diving into Sustainable Tourism: How Green Fins Transforms the Dive and Snorkel Industry.” For the past two decades, Green Fins implemented by The Reef-World Foundation have been at the forefront of driving sustainability within the diving and snorkelling industry. By combining science-based guidance, practical tools, and a collaborative approach, Green Fins supports marine tourism operators to adopt environmentally friendly practices, reduce their impact on coral reefs, and deliver higher sustainability standards across the sector. This session will highlight how the Green Fins initiative has shaped the industry over the last 20 years, enabling businesses to strengthen their environmental performance while meeting the growing demand for responsible and eco-conscious marine tourism experiences. Participants will also learn about Green Fins Membership, e-Courses and digital tools, and how these empower operators to strengthen their businesses, elevate sustainability standards, and safeguard ecosystems through responsible tourism. 🗣️ Speakers: • Dev Albao (they/them), Programmes Manager, The Reef-World Foundation • Emma Levy (She/Her), Senior Programmes Officer, The Reef-World Foundation • Whan Barreiros, Operations Manager, All4Diving® 5 Star Dive Center 🗓️ Date: Wednesday, November 26, 2025 ⏰Time: 09:00 CET I 15:00 ICT I 16:00 SGT I 17:00 KST 👉Register now here: https://lnkd.in/ddpVQ-HU #GSTC #GSTCWebinar #Sustainability #SustainableTourism #Diving #GreenFins #Divers #SustainableDiving #Transformation The Reef-World Foundation All4Diving® 5 Star Dive Center
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From restoring ecosystems to revitalizing local economies, the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) is showing how tourism can be a force for good — when it gives back more than it takes. 🎥 Watch the film and explore more regenerative stories in the Travel Redefined series: https://lnkd.in/gBzfw6ti 🎤: Emma Terry | Craig Haslam | Craig Wickham | Emmalene Richards | Tony Sharley | Featuring: Untamed Escapes | The Fresh Fish Place | Maba Idi Cultural Tours | Murray River Trails | Exceptional Kangaroo Island #GSTC #TravelRedefined #SustainableTourism #TourismForPeopleAndPlanet #ResponsibleTravel #SustainableTravel #EcoTourism #RegenerativeTourism #GSTCStandards #TourismForGood #TourismLeadership #SustainableHospitality #TourismInnovation #TourismPolicy #NetZeroTourism #SDGsInTourism #EcoFriendlyTravel #TravelResponsibly #LeaveNoTrace #SustainableTourismLeadership 🎥: Content With Purpose
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GSTC CEO Randy Durband, as part of the TOURISE Advisory Board, was present at TOURISE’s inaugural Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, held from November 11 to 13, 2025. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dDxrVE3Z #GSTC #GSTCNews #Tourise #SaudiArabia #Riyadh TOURISE
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GSTC Member JTB launches its 2025 Sustainability Report. “I highly commend JTB Group for obtaining GSTC certification as a first step. Looking ahead, I believe JTB can make an even greater impact by clearly communicating its sustainability expectations and goals to its extensive supply chain. Measurement and reporting of sustainability-related indicators remain a significant challenge, but I view the formation of an internal team and the start of concrete efforts as a very positive development. Tracking greenhouse gas emissions and providing continuous staff training are also essential. Especially in tourism, where customer interaction is key, empowering every staff member to understand and embody the principles of sustainability is critical to driving real change. [...] With its scale and reputation, I am confident that JTB Group can play a leading role in advancing sustainable tourism globally.” Stated GSTC CEO, Randy Durband. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d36kTu-z #GSTC #GSTCMember #JTB #Sustainability #Report JTB Corp.
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