Setting Standards for Sustainable Tourism

LANITH Symposium14 February 2014

The leading global authority for standards for sustainable travel & tourism

A unique organization, without competitors

What is the GSTC?

What is GSTC?• An independent, non-profit, truly global organization

supported by volunteer experts and supporters of sustainability in travel and tourism

• Supported by diverse organizations: The United Nations: UNWTO, UNEP, UN Foundation Private Sector: TUI, Sabre, Royal Caribbean, many more Trade Associations: ATTA, PATA, ASTA, ANVR NGOs: Rainforest Alliance, Conservation Int’l, many more

Why GSTC?• 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)

GSTC’s Core Activities:

• Criteria for Sustainability

• “Certify the Certifiers”

• Destinations

• Education & Training

• Advocacy for sustainability in travel & tourism

GSTC Sustainable Criteria Overview

• There are 2 sets of Criteria: 41 criteria for Destinations 37 criteria for Hotels & Tour Operators

• 4 categories of criteria in each set: Destination Management Community Economic Benefit Community Social Benefit Environmental Protection

Certification Framework

GSTC sets standards

Certification Bodies become GSTC-Recognized

Travel Retailers get certified as “sustainable”

The GSTC Sustainable Criteria for Hotels & Tour Operators

• Long-term sustainable management system• Staff guidance and training

Demonstrate effective sustainable management

• Compliance with international/local legislation• Compliance with local communal/indigenous rights

Demonstrate effective sustainable management

Demonstrate effective sustainable management

• Building (design, construction, operation, demolition) compliance with law and regulations respect natural & cultural heritage sustainable accessible

• Customer satisfaction• Accurate promotion• Natural & cultural heritage awareness

Demonstrate effective sustainable management

• Community development• Local goods and services• Local entrepreneurship

Social and economic benefits to the local community

• Equal employment opportunities for local people/minorities women

• Social protection and living wage• No exploitation, no harassment

Social and economic benefits to the local community

• Respectful conduct with local communities• No restriction of local people access to

food/water energy/housing healthcare/sanitation livelihood transport

Social and economic benefits to the local community

• Code of behavior for visits• No illegal trade • Protection & preservation • Local art, architecture, culture

Benefits to cultural heritage

• Conserving resources Sustainable purchasing policies Less disposable goods Energy consumption (& renewable

energies) Water consumption

Benefits to the environment

• Reducing pollution Greenhouse gas emissions Wastewater Waste Harmful substances Other kinds of pollution (noise, light, runoff, erosion, …)

Benefits to the environment

• Conserving biodiversity, ecosystems and landscapes Regulated consumption/trade of wildlife

species No illegal wildlife captivity No introduction of invasive aliens species Biodiversity conservation Minimize disturbance for natural ecosystems

Benefits to the environment

- Adapt those standards to create our own sets of criteria,

- Get recognized/approved by GSTC- Influence stakeholders to modify their practices and

join the movment.

Next step

www.gstcouncil.org

Thank you for your attention!

Please support us – click on “Participate” to become a member!