Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria

Description of Characteristics:

• Tourism-Specific: The GSTC Criteria serve as the global baseline standards for sustainable management in the travel and tourism industry.
• Four Pillars of Sustainability: The Criteria address four pillars:
  • Sustainable management
  • Socioeconomic impacts
  • Cultural impacts
  • Environmental impacts
• Holistic Approach: The GSTC Criteria encourage a balanced approach to sustainability, considering the needs of present and future generations, as well as the environment, culture, and economy.
• Voluntary Adoption: The Criteria are voluntary guidelines that tourism businesses, destinations, and governments can adopt and implement.
• Basis for Certification: The GSTC Criteria can also be used as a basis for third-party certification programs, providing assurance to travelers and stakeholders about a destination’s or business’s commitment to sustainability.

Targeted Audience:

• Tourism Businesses: Hotels, tour operators, transportation providers, and other businesses in the tourism sector.
• Destinations: National and local tourism organizations, as well as destinations seeking to promote sustainable tourism practices.
• Travelers: Individuals and groups seeking to make informed choices about sustainable travel options.

Reporting Principles:

• Transparency: Organizations are encouraged to transparently communicate their sustainability efforts and performance based on the GSTC Criteria.
• Continuous Improvement: The GSTC promotes a continuous improvement approach, encouraging organizations to regularly review and enhance their sustainability practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The GSTC emphasizes the importance of engaging with local communities and other stakeholders in the tourism industry.

Reporting Process:

1. Self-Assessment: Organizations conduct a self-assessment against the GSTC Criteria, using the provided indicators to evaluate their performance.
2. Third-Party Certification (Optional): Organizations can seek third-party certification from a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body to verify their compliance with the Criteria.
3. Communication: Organizations can communicate their sustainability efforts and achievements based on the GSTC Criteria through their websites, marketing materials, and other channels.

Connections to Other Frameworks:

• Complementary to other ESG frameworks: The GSTC Criteria can be used in conjunction with other ESG frameworks, such as GRI and the SDGs, to provide a more comprehensive approach to sustainability in the tourism industry.
• Alignment with Global Sustainable Tourism Agenda: The GSTC Criteria contribute to the implementation of the Global Sustainable Tourism Agenda, which outlines a vision for sustainable tourism development.

Challenges:

• Voluntary Adoption: The voluntary nature of the GSTC Criteria can limit their widespread implementation and enforcement.
• Data Collection: Gathering data on some of the indicators, particularly those related to social and cultural impacts, can be challenging.
• Certification Costs: Obtaining third-party certification can be costly for smaller businesses.

Compliance Guidance:

• GSTC Criteria: The official GSTC website provides detailed information on the criteria and their application.
• GSTC Training and Resources: The GSTC offers training programs and resources to support tourism businesses and destinations in implementing the criteria.
• GSTC-Accredited Certification Bodies: The GSTC accredits third-party certification bodies that can assess and certify organizations against the GSTC Criteria.

Usability Evaluation:

• Level of Global Adoption: Increasingly adopted by tourism businesses and destinations worldwide, particularly those seeking to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and attract environmentally conscious travelers.
• Ease of Use: The criteria are relatively straightforward, but implementation and certification can require effort and resources.
• Focus Areas: Focuses specifically on the sustainability of tourism businesses and destinations, covering environmental, social, and economic impacts.
• Data Availability: Data availability can vary depending on the size and nature of the tourism business or destination.

SyncFrame Compatibility:

• Complementary Framework: SyncFrame can be used alongside the GSTC Criteria to provide a more comprehensive and data-driven approach to sustainability management in the tourism sector.
• Alignment with SyncNest: The GSTC Criteria align particularly well with SyncFrame’s SyncNest verification category, which focuses on thriving ecosystems and sustainable communities.
• Impact Measurement: SyncFrame’s emphasis on impact measurement can help tourism businesses and destinations go beyond compliance and demonstrate the positive outcomes of their sustainability efforts.

Reference Links/Resources:

• GSTC Website: https://www.gstcouncil.org/
• GSTC Criteria: https://www.gstcouncil.org/gstc-criteria/

SyncFrame, with its industry-specific focus and emphasis on impact measurement, can be a powerful tool for the tourism industry to accelerate its transition towards a more sustainable and responsible model. By aligning with these globally recognized standards, tourism businesses and destinations can demonstrate their commitment to protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and creating a positive impact through travel.

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