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GSTC2024 Singapore Global Conference
Sentosa, singapore | 13-16 november, gstc criteria, the global sustainability standards in travel and tourism, for hotels & accommodations, for tour operators, for destinations & governments, for corporate & business travel, for certification bodies, for travelers, recent news.
GSTC is officially an Association Member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF)
Stefi 2024-11-14T20:26:48+08:00 November 14th, 2024 |
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) publishes new GSTC Attraction Criteria
Stefi 2024-11-14T09:27:17+08:00 November 14th, 2024 |
How to apply for the Early Adopter Program for the GSTC Attraction Criteria
Stefi 2024-11-13T11:16:25+08:00 November 13th, 2024 |
UPCOMING WEBINARS
Conservation Through Exploration: A Case Study with Natural Habitat Adventures | October 17th, 2024
Adriana Pizzi 2024-09-24T00:12:41+08:00 June 26th, 2022 |
Driving Sustainable Tourism Locally: Insights from the GSTC Italy Working Group | October 24th, 2024
Adriana Pizzi 2024-09-24T00:16:49+08:00 June 25th, 2022 |
GSTC Webinar Recording: Accessible & Inclusive Travel
rariel 2023-07-07T22:53:57+08:00 June 14th, 2019 |
UPCOMING TRAININGS
Sustainable Tourism Online Course – GSTC Training (November 18 – December 13, 2024)
Ayako Ezaki 2024-11-13T23:16:02+08:00 October 30th, 2024 |
GSTC Accessible & Inclusive Travel Course in Singapore (November 12 – 13, 2024)
Yuna Jeon 2024-10-18T16:54:20+08:00 October 17th, 2024 |
GSTC Auditor Training in Izmir: December 16-18, 2024
joonsiks 2024-10-15T10:02:33+08:00 October 11th, 2024 |
CURRENT PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS
Public Consultation on the Destination Accreditation Manual (until August 28th, 2024)
“ Being part of the GSTC provides us with ongoing connection to a global framework and network of professionals who are looking to solve the same challenges. We are really motivated to be part of it, and to learn, share and work together to ensure the industry we all love stays protected and respected for our future generations to enjoy. “ Jemma Fastnedge Chief Sustainability Officer, Big Red Group
“We want to increase consumer awareness of GSTC as the leading tourism sustainability standard. In the future, we hope that all certified suppliers will be able to use the GSTC logo.” Jim Sano Vice President for Travel, Tourism and Conservation, WWF
“ Joining the GSTC signifies our unwavering commitment to ensuring our activities are consistent with the long-term health of the communities and ecosystems where we operate. Through the GSTC community, we look forward to further collaboration with our partners across the travel and tourism industry to pave the way for a more sustainable and vibrant future . “ Caitrin O’Brien Vice President, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
“ 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 .” Julia Simpson WTTC President & CEO
“ We are honored to be among the first U.S. destinations to join the GSTC . We look forward to collaborating with GSTC and the Los Angeles City Tourism Department to build a thriving industry that improves the quality of life for all Angelenos. “ Adam Burke President and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
“ The GSTC certification is a testament to Marina Bay Sands’ ongoing commitment to minimize our environmental impact while providing our guests with a luxurious experience. Being the largest hotel in Singapore to be GSTC-certified shows our commitment in raising the bar for the industry and inspiring other players to adopt more sustainable practices. “ Meridith Beaujean Executive Director of Sustainability, Marina Bay Sands
“We have been using the GSTC Criteria to prepare service providers and DMOs for possible future certifications.” Annika Sandström Tourism Manager, Region Västerbotten (Sweden)
“ Japan Airlines is honored to become a member of the GSTC. JAL places ESG strategy at the core of its management plan and strives to make various efforts. We expect to learn a lot from the council and make progress in our efforts to realize a sustainable society. “ OCHI Kenichiro Managing Executive Officer of Japan Airlines
“ The GSTC’s Industry Criteria played an important role from the very beginning in terms of how we set that measure and approached the overall development of the program. For the Travel Sustainable program and all the relevant interconnected systems we have in place at Booking.com to support it to have achieved GSTC-Recognized status is something we are incredibly proud of and encourages us to continue evolving the program further in line with these high standards .” Danielle D’Silva Head of Sustainability at Booking.com
“ Certifications give travelers reassurance and orientation. However, we also know there are certifications of varying quality in the tourism sector. That’s why we have been working with the GSTC, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, for our hotels since 2012. We only accept sustainability certifications that are recognised by the independent GSTC and meet its strict standards .” Ian Corbett Head of Sustainability in TUI Group’s international sustainability team
“ 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.” Julia Simpson WTTC President & CEO
“There can be hundreds of different sustainable tourism standards to choose from. The Global Sustainable Tourism Council has a reliable guide, and maintains recent sustainability criteria for hotels, destinations and tour operators.” Erik Solheim Previous Executive Director, UN Environment
“The St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council was founded based on the principles of the GSTC Criteria for Destinations following St. Kitts and Nevis’s GSTC destination sustainability assessment.” Diannille Taylor‑Williams St. Kitts Ministry of Tourism
“Taking WWF’s recommendation of GSTC also simplified processes for RCL and promises to do the same for consumers.” Stephanie DeMars Corporate Responsibility Specialist, Royal Caribbean Cruises
“Accredited Certification Bodies certify hotels, tour operators, and destinations to the GSTC Criteria. GSTC supports destinations in implementing the Criteria through trainings and assessments” McKinsey & Company
“To evaluate a certification program, check to see if it has been reviewed by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – GSTC, an independent nonprofit that has established standards for sustainability in travel” The New York Times
“The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is a comprehensive resource for learning about tourism businesses and destinations that strive to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources.” The Globe and Mail
“We’re working with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and other sustainability experts to share what properties like yours can do to make positive change in the industry.” Agoda
“No other organization than GSTC stands for such a diverse and global group of sustainable tourism players. The regular exchange with GSTC has significantly helped us to strengthen our approach and to learn from the best practices of the international network GSTC unites.” Switzerland Tourism
“TUI delivered 10.3 million ‘greener and fairer’ holidays through 1,688 hotels that were certified to a standard recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council in 2019.” TUI Group
“RCL has endorsed the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), regarded by WWF as the leading standard for global sustainable tourism” Royal Caribbean Cruises
“The ATTA believes in the universal standards put forth by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council and that tourism businesses and destinations should adopt the criteria specifically in these four areas.” ATTA
“Think carefully about where to stay. Look for leading eco certification badges, such as the non-profit Global Sustainable Tourism Council” The Guardian
“Planning a getaway? Consider destinations, hotels, and tour operators that meet Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards. By doing so, you can minimize your environmental impact and send a powerful message to the travel industry about sustainable travel choices.” World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
“We continue to identify opportunities to achieve GSTC certification for our hotels to ensure the sustainability of our operations.” Hilton
“We have aligned our LightStay management system with the criteria of the UN-founded Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the most respected seal of approval for sustainable travel and tourism practices.” Hilton
“For the past two years, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has been busy accrediting certification bodies to certify highly sustainable operators” Lonely Planet
“To find a destination that’s officially certified as taking sustainability issues seriously, visit the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) website” Skyscanner
“By the end of 2021, we aim for all tour operators used by MSC Cruises at our frequent destinations to be certified to a GSTC certification programme, or to be engaged in the process.” MSC Cruises
“For a list of global vendors, destinations, and hotels that abide by certain sustainability standards, explore the database at the Global Sustainable Tourism Council” Condé Nast Traveler
“TUI encourages all hotels offered to its 27 million customers to obtain certification that meets the GSTC Criteria. Sustainability expectations for accommodation suppliers are set in contracts.” TUI Group
“The GSTC Criteria are the most credible global standards for sustainable tourism based on a highly inclusive development process. They provide a holistic definition of sustainability in tourism” One Planet Network
“Accredited Certification Bodies certify hotels, tour operators, and destinations to the GSTC Criteria. GSTC supports destinations in implementing the Criteria through trainings and assessments” World Travel & Tourism Council
“There are lots of different certification bodies offering eco-certifications around the world. We’d recommend selecting one that is officially recognised or accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)” Booking.com
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Labels to know for sustainable travel
Inspiration
Reading time: 0 min Published on 25 March 2024
When planning your holiday in France, think about green tourism. A few labels can point you in the direction of nature destinations offering a selection of eco-responsible accommodation or suggest environmentally friendly gastronomic experiences. In the mountains, by the sea, in a hotel, a gîte or a restaurant, follow the guide!
1. Choosing a sustainable destination
Green resort.
Created in 1964 by the French Federation of Green Resorts and Snow Villages, this tourist label groups together territories offering meaningful holidays, adopting a green tourism oriented towards nature and respectful of the environment. A Green Resort can be located in the countryside, in the mountains or near the coast. The destination develops sustainable initiatives and a series of activities linked to a natural, cultural or historical heritage, engages in tourism that is both humane and benevolent towards the territory and promotes biodiversity. Some Green Resorts stand out with specialities: Famille Plus, Village de Neige, or Station de Pêche. In metropolitan France, nearly 500 villages have the Station Verte label. Station Verte
Green Snowflake
Created in 2011 by the Moutain Riders association, this is the eco-responsible label for mountain resorts: it guarantees their commitment to green tourism, via 20 compulsory criteria to be validated. 12 French resorts have obtained it: Les Arcs Paradiski, Megève, Valberg, Chamrousse, La Pierre Saint-Martin, Les Rousses, Vallée de Chamonix Mont Blanc, Châtel Portes du Soleil, Les Angles, Val Cenis, Morzine Avoriaz and Le Grand Bornand The label is awarded by a sworn independent body, which audits the candidate resorts to check that the actions taken comply with the Flocon Vert specifications.
1 Flocon: Chamrousse, Combloux, Cordon, Font-Romeu, Le Grand Bornand, Les Angles, Les Belleville, Les Contamines, Montjoie, Megève, Morzine - Avoriaz, Saint François Longchamp, Tignes, Valloire, Val Cenis, Val d'Isère, Crest-Voland Cohennoz, La Rosière, Les Saisies, Passy and Auron.
2 Flocons: Châtel Portes du Soleil, Lans-en-Vercors, Les Arcs Paradiski, Les Rousses, Saint-Gervais, Valberg, Vallée de Chamonix Mont Blanc.
The label is awarded by a sworn, independent body which audits the resorts applying for the label to ensure that their activities comply with the Flocon Vert specifications. Flocon Vert
This is one of the oldest eco-responsible labels present on French territory. Created in 1985, and now present in 46 countries, it is part of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. The Blue Flag is awarded to a seaside resort or marina, and ensures that the site has facilities to minimise the impact of tourist traffic, such as waste separation bins and sanitary facilities. Blue Flag resorts also frequently organise environmental awareness campaigns for the public. When it comes to marinas, the Blue Flag ensures that boaters have access to careening areas without discharge into the natural environment, to systems for recovering waste water from boats and to areas for recovering special waste. 410 plages françaises sont labellisées, dans près de 200 communes, ainsi que 115 ports de plaisance. Blue Flag
Clean ports
The European Clean Ports certification is a voluntary initiative for the environmental management of marinas. The approach contains 5 components to enable the impact of activities on the planet to be taken into account in accordance with the certification: environmental diagnostic study, means of combating chronic pollution, implementation of means of combating accidental pollution, water and energy saving, training of port personnel and user awareness. Clean Ports
2. Choose an eco-responsible accommodation
European ecolabel.
Created by the European Commission in 1992, the European Ecolabel distinguishes hotels and campsites that seek to reduce their impact on the environment: products used, reduction of water and energy consumption, reduction of waste production, improvement of their environmental management, etc. To obtain this eco-responsible label, professionals in the field of green tourism must meet a set of 29 compulsory criteria and 45 optional criteria ecolabel
The Green Key label is a reference in terms of sustainable tourism and concerns hotels, gites, bed and breakfasts, holiday villages, campsites and youth hostels. Around one hundred criteria, some mandatory and others optional, have been defined to help the accommodation achieve an effective environmental approach. In France, 855 tourist establishments have been awarded the Green Key label. green key
Green Globe
With more than 500 establishments listed in nearly 90 countries since 1999, Green Globe is undoubtedly the largest eco-responsible label on an international scale. In France, several well-known accommodation providers have been awarded the precious sesame, starting with Club Med. Some large hotels are also on the list, such as the Martinez Hotel, the Majestic Barriere and the Intercontinental Carlton in Cannes, the Carnac Thalasso & Spa Resort, or the Grée des Landes Eco-Hotel & Spa by Yves Rocher, in Brittany and the Apogée in Courchevel, in the Alps. Green Globe
At the initiative of Gîtes de France, the NGO WWF has been awarding the Gîte Panda label since 1993 to gîtes and guest rooms located in communes in regional and national nature parks, Natura 2000 areas, nature reserves, Grands Sites de France or areas designated by UNESCO... Ideal for staying in a preserved environment, where everyone - guests and visitors alike - is sensitive to and aware of the need to protect nature Biodiversity is promoted, ecological materials are used in construction, and particular attention is paid to the preservation of the environment. Gites de France
Another eco-responsible label distinguishes Gîtes de France establishments. This is the Ecogîte label. Its objective is to encourage accommodation providers to reduce the environmental impact of their buildings, reduce energy consumption and use more environmentally friendly products. For each criterion, a score is given, then aggregated by theme, then levels are defined (Bronze, Silver or Gold) according to the scores achieved. Ecogites
If you want to be sure of eating organic food at your hotel, nothing beats a stay in a Bio-Hotels establishment. The group is the only one in Europe to have defined strict food specifications, in close collaboration with the organic sector in each country. These ecological hotels are subject to the same rules (and controls by the relevant state bodies) as the farmers, a guarantee of quality. Naturally, access to "organic" products depends on the local supply, as the proportion of land cultivated with organic products varies from one country to another (10% in France). Biohotels
Authentic B&B
Looking for a (truly) eco-friendly bed and breakfast in Paris? Nothing could be easier. All you have to do is count the number of leaves - 3, 4 or 5 - awarded by the Authentic B&B network to the accommodations (of the groups) France Lodge, Good Morning Paris and Une chambre en Ville. To obtain the green tourism award, it is sufficient to present a very good/excellent report card in five main areas: water and energy saving, consumption habits, food, impact on the environment and health, and information for visitors. Une grille d’évaluation environnementale comprenant ces cinq items est partagée à l’ensemble des adhérents. Authentic
Clévacances Environment
Since 2008, the Clévacances label has adopted an "Environment" qualification for gîtes, rentals and guest rooms that reduce their impact on the environment without altering it. These eco-responsible accommodations must meet precise specifications in terms of the performance of household appliances, thermal insulation, use of low-energy light bulbs, water saving and waste management. clevacance
Sites and landscapes of France
Offer eco-friendly camping holidays in unspoilt natural sites in the Alps, so that you can enjoy the mountains in a different way, while teaching your children about respect for the environment. This is the aim of the association Sites et paysages de France (under the law of 1901). Created in 1982 by owners of outdoor accommodation, this independent network has developed nature activities. Each campsite has a botanical trail and, by 2013, an arboretum. Le French time
Created in 2006 by campsite owners or managers committed to green tourism, the Via Natura label is a voluntary initiative to protect the environmental and natural heritage of 17 outdoor accommodation sites in France. Their mission is also to share their convictions with nature lovers. A different economic management, a real application of the members, a different approach to the campers and a search for new relations with the employees. la via natura
Chouette Nature
Waste management, awareness of selective sorting, energy savings, use of renewable energy, water management, noise pollution, improvement of acoustic comfort, these are some of the areas of commitment included in the Chouette Nature eco-responsible label, created in 2005 by the Cap France network of independent holiday villages and hotel clubs, which lists more than 120 criteria. Chouette nature
Ethic étapes
Éthic Etapes offers quality accommodation for individuals and groups in a spirit of solidarity and responsibility that unites all 45 centres in France and promotes meeting and exchange as a principle of action. Éthic étapes is a voluntary union of international holiday centres. A non-profit association, its aim is to provide a quality welcome for young people of all nationalities. The network is committed to developing green and eco-responsible tourism. Rencontre, principe de non-lucrativité, brassage et mixité, citoyenneté sont autant de valeurs que les centres s'engagent à décliner concrètement au quotidien : fonctionnement associatif, espaces de rencontres et d'animation, accessibilité tarifaire et physique des équipements, gestion environnementale des bâtiments, recours à d'autres acteurs de l'économie sociale… Ethic etapes
Natural hotels
Far from mass tourism, the Hôtels au naturel are eco-responsible establishments on a human scale that share their passion for protecting nature and preserving heritage. Simple, friendly and authentic, the 22 sites also promote local seasonal products and offer the opportunity to discover the regions of France on foot, by bike or on horseback. Natural hotels *To find eco-friendly holiday accommodation, the Moovert booking platform can be useful and practical for travellers, with a selection of eco-friendly accommodation throughout France. *
3. Choosing a locavore restaurant
Seasonal products, vegetarian dishes..., the Eco-table eco-responsible label responds to the need to eat better, in a way that is more respectful of our health and of the planet. Thanks to a list of precise criteria, taking into account all sources of environmental impact, restaurants are labelled according to three levels of commitment. Thus, the most sustainable establishments are valued and the general public can easily find eco-responsible restaurants. There are also different badges such as short circuit or sustainable fishing. Ecotable
The Food Index for Good (Fig) is a practical tool that enables the evaluation of the four pillars of eco-responsibility and the measurement of the environmental footprint of restaurants. The label recognises restaurants that give pride of place to plant-based and sustainably produced meat in their menus (meat has a high carbon footprint), as well as those that offer seasonal, organic and local products, which have the advantage of being water and energy efficient, while limiting soil pollution. Waste reduction (limited use of plastic, recycling, composting) and the use of renewable energy are also scrutinised. FIG
Greenfood label
Vegetarian menus, reuse of unsold food, composting, doggy bags, energy consumption, renewable energy, just-in-time delivery, the Greenfood eco-responsible label rewards restaurants committed to sustainable development. Greenfood label
Good for the Climate
Knowing the carbon weight of the dishes offered on a restaurant menu is possible with the Good for the Climate eco-calculator, designed by the Eco2initiaitive consultancy, which specialises in sustainable food. The aim is to provide hoteliers and restaurateurs with an intelligent tool, based on ADEME figures, to adjust and promote the environmental footprint of their menus to their customers. Good for the climate
To also know
Tourism and disability.
Holidays and disabilities are not incompatible. The "Tourism and Disability" label aims to provide reliable, descriptive and objective information on the accessibility of tourist sites and facilities dedicated to people with disabilities, whatever they may be. It also enables the development of a tourist offer that is both adapted and integrated into the general offer. Tourism hancicaps
Designed for hotels, airports and tour operators committed to green tourism, Earthcheck is a comparative analysis and certification programme. It is an international benchmarking tool that helps to monitor and measure resource use and waste production, improve design and operating efficiency, and encourage corporate social responsibility (CSR). In addition to environmental protection issues, the eco-responsible label includes a social and economic dimension, taking into account notions of governance, employment, regulations and the impact of the activity on services. Earth Check
Travel operators wishing to demonstrate their commitment to green tourism can apply for the ATR "Act for Responsible Tourism" eco-responsible label. To do so, they must fill in all their actions in relation to the criteria and indicators specified in a reference system. The data is then checked by an independent organisation, Ecocert, which awards the famous seal of approval. ATR
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