The Global Sustainable Tourism Council(®) (GSTC) establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, known as the GSTC Standards. There are four sets: Destination Standard for public policy-makers and destination managers, Industry Standard for hotels and tour operators, MICE Standardfor Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions and Attraction Standard for tourist attractions such as theme parks, museums, and national parks. They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism. They are arranged in four pillars: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts. Since tourism destinations each have their own culture, environment, customs, and laws, the Criteria are designed to be adapted to local conditions and supplemented by additional criteria for the specific location and activity.
For more information: www.gstcouncil.org



