However, it would be utopian to think that all destinations have changed course; in fact, the forms of tourism practised are often still aggressive and disrespectful of the environment and communities. But how is it possible to change direction? Where should you start if you want to embark on a path towards sustainability?
A true bible in this respect is the GSTC Criteria.
What the GSTC is and what it does
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is an international non-profit organisation, founded in 2007, with the aim of promoting sustainability and responsibility in the tourism sector. Backed by the United Nations and several leading organisations in the field of sustainability, its main mission is to develop and manage guidelines for green tourism, known as the GSTC Criteria. Today, the GSTC is the world’s leading authority on defining and managing standards for sustainable travel and tourism.
There are currently three sets of GSTC Criteria:
- GSTC-D for tourist destinations;
- GSTC-I for hotels and tour operators;
- GSTC MICE for conventions, conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions.
GSTC accreditation
But the GSTC does not merely set criteria, as it also offers accreditation programmes. If a destination or a tourism company demonstrates that it meets the GSTC standards, it can be accredited and receive a sustainability certification from the body, which also follows the whole process through support actions. The path is neither simple nor quick, and requires energy, time and resources, although in the end it is decidedly worth it!
GSTC accreditation is, in fact, a sign of quality and commitment to sustainability, and brings several benefits: first of all, accredited destinations and operators are recognised as leaders in sustainable tourism. This not only enhances their reputation, but also the trust of tourists, who are increasingly looking for environmentally respectful experiences.
Moreover, destinations and hotels in line with the GSTC Criteria can stand out from the competition thanks to their green commitment, attracting a fast-growing market segment, that of responsible travellers. Implementing the GSTC criteria can also lead to more efficient management of resources, reducing operating costs in the long term. For example, adopting energy- and water-saving practices can significantly reduce consumption.
Finally, the sustainable practices promoted by the GSTC help to improve the quality of life of local communities, creating a virtuous circle of mutual benefits between tourists and residents. This can lead to greater acceptance of tourism among locals and closer collaboration between tourism operators and residents.
In essence, GSTC accreditation, which must be renewed every three years, is not just a recognition, a piece of paper to display in the hotel lobby, but an ongoing commitment to more ethical and greener tourism, which benefits not only those who make their living from tourism, but the entire planet.
The GSTC Criteria
But what exactly are the GSTC Criteria for destinations, hotels and tour operators?
Let’s start with those for tourist destinations: the GSTC-D Criteria are divided into four main sections:
- Sustainable management: includes sustainability policies, monitoring and reporting, and the involvement of local communities. Destinations must develop and implement management plans that promote sustainable and transparent practices, including the education and training of local communities on the benefits of sustainable tourism and the involvement of all stakeholders in the decision-making process;
- Social and economic impact: promotes equality, community wellbeing and support for local economies. Destinations must ensure that tourism contributes positively to the economy, creating job opportunities and promoting the use of local products and services. In addition, measures must be adopted to ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed fairly among all members of the community;
- Cultural impact: focuses on the conservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of local traditions through events and activities, also including collaboration with indigenous communities to ensure that their cultures and customs are respected and valued;
- Environmental impact: includes the management of natural resources, the reduction of pollution and the conservation of biodiversity. Destinations must implement practices to minimise the use of natural resources, manage waste effectively and protect local ecosystems. Promoting sustainable transport, using renewable energy and protecting habitats critical to wildlife can, indeed must, all be paths to follow.
The GSTC-I Criteria, for hotels and tour operators, are also divided into the same four main areas:
- Sustainable management: hotels and tour operators must develop clear, measurable sustainability policies, train staff in green practices, and communicate openly with customers about their sustainability initiatives;
- Maximising social and economic benefits for the local community: hotels and tour operators must commit to creating job opportunities for residents, buying products from local suppliers and supporting local initiatives, helping and strengthening the economy and improving the quality of life in host communities;
- Cultural heritage: hotels and tour operators must work to preserve the cultural heritage of the destinations in which they operate, promoting tourist activities that respect and enhance local traditions. This may include collaborating with local craftspeople, organising cultural tours and promoting traditional events;
- Reducing negative environmental impacts: hotels and tour operators must adopt practices to reduce energy and water consumption, manage waste responsibly and protect local ecosystems. Installing renewable energy systems, reducing the use of single-use plastic and promoting low-impact tourist activities are, for example, some of the areas to work on.
The GSTC ultimately represents a fundamental guide for the future of sustainable tourism. Through its criteria, destinations, hotels and tour operators can adopt practices that reduce the negative impact of tourism and promote long-term benefits for the environment and local communities, reconciling people’s need to travel with sustainability.
