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!
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