The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) will be holding the GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, from the 23rd to the 26th of April, 2024.   The event aims to unite global and local tourism professionals engaged in advancing and advocating for sustainable travel and tourism.   With an estimated 400 participants, the GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in Stockholm will attract representatives from diverse sectors, including the public sector, hotels, tour operators, companies, academia, development agencies, online travel agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Over the course of four days, attendees can engage in a comprehensive program comprising training sessions, interactive panels, workshops, meetings, social events, and an academic symposium. Beyond the professional development opportunities, participants will also have the chance to immerse themselves in the allure of Stockholm.   The conference's agenda revolves around four key themes:  

• Environmental - Climate and Smart Management
• Social - Welcoming and Inclusive
• Governance - Thriving and Innovative
• Credible Assurance

  Each theme is designed to provide valuable insights and practical solutions to advance sustainable practices in tourism. The conference and the over 50 speakers will underscore the significance of responsible governance over natural and cultural resources, support for local communities, and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals, among other issues.   Register here and join us in Stockholm for the GSTC2024 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference, where thought leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders converge to shape the future of sustainable travel and tourism.   For more information, please visit www.gstcouncil.org/gstc2024sweden   This year, GSTC will offer two conferences, at the end of the year, there will be another Global Conference  in Singapore (13-16 November)   More information here: www.gstcouncil.org/gstc2024singapore/

  Destination stewardship is a process by which local communities, governmental agencies, NGOs, and the tourism industry take a multi-stakeholder approach to maintaining the cultural, environmental, economic, and esthetic integrity of their country, region, or town. In other words, to ensure that the destination retains and enhances the distinctive attributes that appeal to both residents and tourists.   Destination Stewardship requires a clear mandate, measurement of standards, community buy-in, and stakeholder collaboration. Practicing destination stewardship is crucial in ensuring that a destination remains attractive, authentic, and sustainable.   The Destination Stewardship Starter Kit has been developed by GSTC to support destinations in their transition towards a stewardship approach. It is intended for destination managers, policymakers, and other stakeholders who are involved in tourism development and management, including public and private sectors, community members, and non-governmental organizations. It is particularly relevant for destinations where there is external pressure to better manage tourism impacts. The starter kit is also useful when a government or destination management organization recognizes that a shift to destination stewardship is needed, or when there is a need for resilience and recovery following a shock to the tourism system, such as a global pandemic or natural disaster.   The Destination Stewardship Starter Kit provides a practical roadmap to prioritizing governance and management strategy, creating a baseline for measurement, and setting achievable targets for sustainable tourism development. The steps offered serve as a guide and, therefore, it is not mandatory to follow them in a specific sequence. It is important to acknowledge that the process is distinctive to each destination. The recommended steps are:  

• Build a team and identify leaders
• Identify key stakeholders
• Define your goals and vision
• Involve the local community and engage stakeholders
• Develop a strategy and an action plan
• Provide education and training
• Communicate your progress
• Monitor and measure your progress
• Complete a self-assessment
• Adhere to the GSTC Destination Criteria

  The GSTC Destination Criteria (GSTC-D) have well proven their value as guides to good destination stewardship. Public sector tourism policy-makers and destination managers throughout the world turn to the GSTC Destination Criteria for guidance in developing policy, raising awareness and conducting training, and for use as a framework for national or localized sustainability standards. Application of the criteria will help a destination to contribute towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.   Download the Destination Stewardship Starter Kit here now to start the journey!

  The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) announce a major new partnership, aligning to establish a structured framework for hotel sustainability, leading to GSTC Certification.   The partnership endorses the existing WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics whilst paving the way for a stepped progression toward GSTC Certification* for sustainable hotels.   In an era where sustainability is paramount, GSTC and WTTC are joining forces to send a potent message to the market regarding the coherence and collaboration in the Travel & Tourism sector.   The three-stage framework for hotel sustainability will now see the integration between the WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics verification and GSTC Certification*, designed to support hotels in their pathway towards full sustainability.   Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Collaborating with an esteemed body like GSTC reinforces our dedication to leading the industry towards a more sustainable future. It’s imperative that we work with key global players like GSTC to drive change, set benchmarks, and inspire others to follow.   With members spanning across the world, GSTC’s rigorous accreditation program not only elevates our initiative but also ensures that the hospitality sector worldwide moves toward a unified vision of sustainability.”   Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC, added, “WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics is a finely crafted entry level for hotels of any size and type to begin their journey to sustainable practices. GSTC’s certification by GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies is recognised widely as the gold standard in certification of sustainable hotels, with the highest levels of assurance that exists.   Today’s announcement of the combined pathway provides clarity for beginning and for continuous improvement. Stages must be just that, stages, and not levels to reach and stay in place.”   The WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics are already accessible to the industry, and the next phase in collaboration with GSTC is scheduled to launch in 2024.   This will provide the crucial stepping stone between WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics, a three-year programme, and GSTC’s rigorous certification, ensuring a gradual yet comprehensive progression towards sustainability in hospitality.

  Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG) has joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – further cementing its commitment to environmental sustainability across its global business operations and signaling to its industry partners the necessity of lower carbon footprints.   “Flight Centre has taken a step forward towards sustainable development by joining as a member of this committed family,” says Randy Durband, GSTC CEO. “We welcome them with open arms and wish FCTG the best of luck in their efforts towards a more sustainable future.”   As one of the world’s largest travel groups, FCTG recognises its responsibility to preserve travel destinations and is committed to sustainable practices that benefit its employees, partners, customers and the planet.   FCTG’s Global Sustainability Officer, Michelle Degenhardt explains: “FCTG’s purpose is to open up the world for those who want to see, which transcends into our sustainability commitment – preserving and enriching a world worth seeing.”   Working with its suppliers and industry, FCTG aims to influence a lower carbon travel industry.   “FCTG is committed to leveraging its platforms, people, and partnerships to facilitate informed choices, helping customers reduce their impact and ensuring every action benefits its people, destinations and communities,” Ms Degenhardt said.   FCTG commits itself to working with key industry and global organisations that align with its sustainability goals.  FCTG is also a contributing member of the United Nations Global Compact (an initiative created to encourage businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies and practices).

 

After two years without an on-site GSTC Conference due to the pandemic, the GSTC2022 Global Sustainable Tourism Conference will be held in Seville, Spain, from December 12-15.

  GSTC2022 Sevilla will bring together international and domestic tourism stakeholders involved in the development and promotion of sustainable travel & tourism; including the public sector, hotels, tour operators, corporates, OTAs, academia, development agencies, NGOs, consultants, and more. The Conference themes are (A) Tourism Adaptation to Climate Change, (B) Mainstreaming Sustainability Standards, (C) Destination Stewardship, and (D) Green Mobility & Accessibility. The program involves a mixture of panel discussions and interactive workshops with many sessions to choose from, including GSTC Criteria consultation workshops.   A superb line-up of global speakers will share insights and discuss the following topics: Climate Change Influence on Tourism Operation, Carbon Neutral Cities, How National Tourism Bodies Use Existing Sustainable Tourism Standards, Sustainable Luxury Hospitality, Sustainability in Corporate & Business Travel, Businesses Influencing Supply Chain, Interpretation of Cultural Heritage, Türkiye Sustainable Tourism Program, The Role of Standards and Certification in Destination Stewardship, Setting Sustainability Goals by Trade Association Together With National Tourism Bodies, and Green Mobility & Accessibility.   In conjunction with the conference, three onsite training courses will take place on Dec 11th &12th: • GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course in English • GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course in Spanish • GSTC Sustainable Business Travel Course   Participating in GSTC’s Sustainable Tourism Training Program allows participants to gain in-depth knowledge of the GSTC Criteria before the Conference begins.   There will also be opportunities to enjoy Seville, including a complimentary walking tour of the historic city, as well as a private dinner at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Real Alcázar for GSTC2022 delegates. View the full program here.     The city of Seville (or Sevilla in Spanish) is the capital of the Spanish region and province of Andalusia and has about 700,000 inhabitants, making Seville the fourth largest city in Spain. Situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville has a rich Moorish heritage and used to be a prosperous port that carried out trade with the Americas. The streets and squares in the historic quarter of the capital of Andalucía are lively and busy. They are home to many buildings that have the World Heritage designation, and many districts are full of traditional culture, like Triana and La Macarena.   Learn more and join us in Seville from December 12-15: https://www.gstcouncil.org/gstc2022sevilla/