The Global Sustainable Tourism Council 

The Global Baseline Standards for Sustainable Travel and Tourism

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages global sustainable tourism standards with the aim of increasing sustainable tourism knowledge and practices among public and private stakeholders.

The GSTC is an independent and neutral non-profit organization that establishes and manages global baseline standards for sustainability in travel and tourism.

The standards are two sets of GSTC Criteria: Destination Criteria and Industry Criteria, the minimum requirements for tourism businesses and destinations to pursue in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources, along with conservation and poverty alleviation.

The GSTC represents a diverse and global membership, including UN agencies, leading travel companies, hotels, country tourism boards, tour operators, individuals and communities – all strive to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.

What does the GSTC do?

• Developing International Standards - the GSTC Criteria
• Serving as the Accreditation Body for Sustainability in Travel & Tourism
• Making Destinations Sustainable
• Promoting Market Access
• Increasing Knowledge

Find out more about GSTC on their website.