GSTC Certification
Why GSTC and GSTC Certification?
Highest Level of Trust in Travel and Tourism Industry
As an internationally recognized organization, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) plays a crucial role in the tourism industry by establishing and managing global standards for sustainable travel and tourism. Founded as a strategic coalition between the United Nations Foundation, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), among others; the GSTC works to promote responsible tourism practices worldwide.
GSTC Certification
The term “GSTC Certification” is a shorthand for “Certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-accredited.”
GSTC Certification is a three-year* valid certification that has been regarded as the most trusted benchmark for sustainability and excellence in the travel and tourism industry worldwide. With the GSTC certification, tourism businesses can demonstrate their commitment to sustainable tourism through a credible, impartial and rigorous assessment.
*Note: In Türkiye Environmental and Cultural Sustainability Program, the certification is only valid for one year.
Why are we confident in saying that?
The certification is an independent third party certification conducted by GSTC-accredited certification bodies (ACBs) to certify tourism businesses against the GSTC Standards. The GSTC establishes and maintains the GSTC Standards, the global framework for sustainable tourism. GSTC does not conduct certification; rather, it accredits Certification Bodies (CBs) that certify tourism businesses. Through a rigorous accreditation process, GSTC ensures that these CBs operate with transparency, impartiality, and competence. In short, GSTC certify the certifiers.
What do we mean by “GSTC-accredited certification bodies”?
Accreditation is a mark of quality that GSTC places on Certification Bodies that choose our independent and neutral process to verify that they certify businesses, such as hotels, tour operators, or destinations, in a competent and neutral manner. GSTC looks very hard at the CB’s certification process to ensure that they issue certifications based on merit and neutrality. GSTC does not certify directly, GSTC certifies the certifiers.
See here for more information about the difference between Certification, Accreditation, and Recognition.
What are the benefits of being GSTC-certified?
Increasingly travelers are seeking eco-friendly and socially responsible options. From Booking.com 2024 Travel Predictions shows that over half of the traveler’s (53%) are looking for accommodation that has wow-factor sustainability innovation. By obtaining the GSTC Certification, your tourism and travel businesses would enjoy the following benefits:
- Gaining Credibility: GSTC Certification is a third-party audited certification with the highest level of impartiality and credibility. In light of the publications of regulations such as EU Green Claims, it is important for businesses to verify their sustainable claims by a third party.
- Meeting national/regional requirements: GSTC works closely with NTOs/DMOs to implement GSTC Standards into local regulations and encourage hotels within that region to become certified by GSTC ACBs. Examples such as:
- Türkiye Develops a National Sustainable Tourism Program with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), see the 2024 Impact Evaluation of GSTC Certification within TGA program.
- Singapore Hotel Sustainability Roadmap
- GSTC and MTA (Malta) sign MOU
- Mauritius Standards Bureau (MSB) is now GSTC-accredited
- Market access opportunity: GSTC launches a Market Access Program(MAP) in the hospitality sector where we collaborate with OTAs and TMCs to promote sustainable accommodations, in other words, to promote certified properties to meet the increasing demand from customers. More details about the GSTC Market Access Program, please see here.
- Being included in the Corporate Travel Program (CTP): GSTC is the recommended certification in GBTA’s sustainable procurement standard for hotels, which is highly implemented as the RFP indicator by many of the corporate travel programs (CTP).
Who can be certified? Choose the right GSTC Certification
Any Destination, Hotel/Accommodation, or Tour Operator that has developed a management system in accordance with GSTC Standards can be certified as sustainable by a GSTC-accredited certification body (ACB) in conformity with the requirements of GSTC Standards.
Examples of Hotel Groups Target for Full Certification
Below are examples of how various hotel groups implement GSTC Standards and target full certification across their properties.
*The list is sorted in alphabetical order.
The Ascott Limited
About the Ascott Limited’s Goal to GSTC Certification
Ascott remains committed to advancing sustainability in global tourism through its alignment with GSTC. Our journey began in 2022 where we formalised the Ascott CARES framework, setting a strong foundation for GSTC-aligned sustainable practices across our operations. In 2023, Somerset Greenways Chennai and lyf one-north Singapore became the first of our properties to achieve GSTC certification. In 2024, Ascott was amongst the first in the industry to gain GSTC-Committed status for its adoption of the GSTC Criteria. As of February 2025, 25% of our portfolio* is GSTC-certified, with more underway, as we work towards achieving GSTC certification across all properties* globally by 2028. (*Managed and branded with more than two years of operations.)
– Ascott CARES: The Ascott Limited 2024 Sustainability Report
“Our longstanding partnership with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) has been a pivotal milestone in our sustainability journey. This collaboration has empowered us to spearhead industry-wide capability-building programmes, advancing Singapore’s Hotel Sustainability Roadmap. We are also honoured to be among the first hospitality groups to achieve GSTC-Committed Status.
By embracing GSTC standards and pursuing GSTC certification, we integrate the highest sustainability standards into our operations, amplifying our impact across all our properties worldwide. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and we remain wholeheartedly committed to positively shaping the future of travel by adhering to the gold standard for sustainable tourism.” Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment said.
About Barceló Hotel Group’s target to GSTC Certification
In late 2023, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the entity that defines global sustainability standards for tourism and guarantees their compliance in the field of sustainability, recognised the internal sustainability standards of the Barceló Hotel Group, the Barceló ReGen Standards as equivalent to the GSTC Standards. Barceló is the first Spanish hotel chain to obtain this standard recognition and one of the few chains worldwide. In 2024, the company decided to move ahead and have four of its hotels certified by a GSTC-accredited certification body. As a result, the Barceló Hotel Group is the first large-scale hotel chain in Spain to receive this accredited certification.
The hotel group seeks to implement its sustainability standards and obtain GSTC Certification for all of its hotels in Spain over the course of 2025. This initiative represents the company’s commitment to continue protecting and having a positive impact on the destinations where it operates.
“Achieving GSTC Certification confirms the excellent work carried out by Barceló Hotel Group in our firm commitment to regenerative tourism and further reinforces our #BarcelóReGen sustainability strategy. The company’s ambitious cultural transformation project aims to consolidate our approach to have a positive impact on the destinations where we operate and support fair local economic development while caring for people and the environment”, affirms Raúl González, Chief Executive Officer EMEA, Barceló Hotel Group.
Best Western Hotels – APAC
The BWH Group announced its target that all International BWH Hotels and all BWOs effective May 1, 2024, shall require that their Best Western /SureStay / Sure Hotel branded properties comply with a sustainability certification program recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). All BWH adopts the following timeline for compliance, by December 31st 2026, with 100% of Hotels meeting the certification program requirement.
Further at GSTC2024 Conference, Rod Simpson, the Managing Director, Operations – Asia Pacific, added “Our mission is to achieve GSTC certification for all of our APAC portfolio by Q4 2025. We are committed to integrating sustainable practices, reducing our environmental impact, and supporting local communities. Through this certification, we aim to set a new standard for sustainability in hospitality and inspire positive change in our industry.”
Presentation by BWH Hotel Group Managing Director of Operations – APAC Rod Simpson at GSTC2024 Conference in Singapore (YouTube Video, Presentation Slides)
Centara Hotels & Resorts
About Centara Hotels & Resorts Goal to GSTC Certification
Centara first aligned its internal sustainability framework, Centara EarthCare, with the GSTC Hotel Standard, the global sustainability standard for hotels and accommodations, earning GSTC-Recognized status for its internal standard.
Building on this foundation, Centara set a clear group-wide target to achieve full GSTC Certification for all its properties, and progressively advanced toward this goal through continuous monitoring, capacity building, and third-party certification. Centara has now become the first Thai hotel groupto achieve full GSTC Certification*. By achieving GSTC Certification across its entire portfolio, Centara has confirmed that all its hotels operate in alignment with the GSTC Hotel Standard.
“Business growth must go hand-in-hand with responsibility toward society, the environment, and the communities we serve,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, Chief Executive Officer of Centara Hotels & Resorts “Achieving GSTC certification across all properties and making strong progress in reducing waste and emissions demonstrates our long-term commitment to environmental stewardship. We remain dedicated to innovating and advancing our ESG initiatives to create a meaningful, lasting impact, while providing exceptional, sustainable travel experiences for generations to come.”
*Note: The term “GSTC Certification” is a shorthand for “Certified by a Certification Body that is GSTC-accredited.”
– GSTC Congratulates Centara for Achieving Full Certification Across All Properties
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group Limited
About the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Goal to GSTC Certification
As a GSTC-Committed entity, Mandarin Oriental has set an ambitious target to achieve 100% certification across all its properties by 2025 . This commitment reflects their dedication to integrating sustainable practices into their operations and enhancing their overall environmental performance.
Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, remarked on the achievement: “This recognition reflects our commitment to sustainable practices. As a Group, we have developed a comprehensive plan to implement the GSTC Criteria, and we are proud to align ourselves with global standards for sustainable tourism.”
– Corporate Global News, Mandarin Oriental Attains GSTC-Committed Status (29 February, 2024)
Rosewood Hotel Group
Rosewood Hotel Group’s Goal to GSTC Certification
The certification verified that the Group’s operational standards and guest experiences align with four key GSTC Criteria: effective sustainable management, social and economic benefits for local communities, preservation of cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility. A key differentiator of the Group’s ethos is its commitment that sustainability and social impact initiatives are not mandates but core pillars, in which each property embraces every detail — from eco-conscious culinary creations and educational guest programming to sustainable design elements alongside those that celebrate local heritage and artistry, to partnerships that uplift local livelihoods. Every property of Rosewood Hotel Group embodies a commitment to the planet and its people that strive to continue building a future where people and place enrich each other.
Mehvesh Mumtaz Ahmed, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability at Rosewood Hotel Group said “At Rosewood, we endeavor to create experiences that are exciting and meaningful, and elevated yet responsible. The GSTC certification is a welcome endorsement that we are affixing this enrichment lens on every part of our business, from hiring, supply chain, and partnerships to procurement, design and more.”
Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
About Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas’ Goal to GSTC Certification
Six Senses properties have received certification by Control Union – a certification body accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. Six Senses properties* underwent an extensive audit by Control Union to verify their efforts in sustainability planning, reducing negative environmental impacts, enhancing cultural heritage, and maximizing social and economic benefits for surrounding communities.
Jeff Smith, Six Senses Vice President of Sustainability, shares, “GSTC Certification is a mark of trust and credibility in sustainability. While this certification is issued globally, it marks a proud moment for our individual Six Senses properties included in this certification and their sustainability teams, who work proactively to provide uncompromising hospitality, environmentally cognizant operations, an outstanding guest experience, and high levels of engagement among colleagues and the local community.”
Examples of GSTC-certified Tour Operators
*The list is sorted in alphabetical order.
JTB Corporation (JTB)
JTB Corporation (JTB) is the largest travel agency in Japan and one of the largest travel agencies in the world. There are branches all over the world to help Japanese and non-Japanese guests in both private leisure and corporate / business fields.
In 2024, JTB has achieved the GSTC Tour Operator certification for the scope of the domestic tour operation. This achievement aligns with JTB’s mission to “foster peace and global interconnectedness through the creation of opportunities for meaningful human interaction,” reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainable tourism practices that enhance cultural exchange and social enrichment.
Tricolage
About Tricolage’s Sustainability Goal and the GSTC Certification
In 2022, Tricolage achieved the GSTC Tour Operator Certification from Control Union, one of the third-party international certification organizations accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), making Tricolage the first tour operator in Japan to receive the GSTC Tour Operator Certification.
Tricolage views sustainability not as a trend, but as a responsibility to travelers, local communities, and future generations. We’ve contributed to a range of initiatives over the years including media trips to promote lesser-visited regions, sustainability education with regional tourism boards, and ongoing industry advocacy. Our work is grounded in the belief that high-quality travel experiences can—and must—contribute to long-term cultural, social, and environmental resilience.
“While awareness of sustainability is growing—particularly in social and economic areas—there is still much work to be done on the environmental front. At Tricolage, we are committed to moving the industry forward by guiding travelers toward more conscious decisions, embedding sustainability into our internal culture, and aligning our practices with globally recognized standards.
By embracing GSTC standards and achieving GSTC certification, we’ve been able to integrate the highest levels of sustainability into our operations—ensuring that our values are reflected not just in what we offer travelers, but in how we engage with local communities and partners across Japan. Sustainability isn’t just an initiative for us—it’s a long-term responsibility to ensure that every journey leaves a meaningful, positive impact on the places and people we connect with.” Said Benjamin Wong – Co-founder and CEO of Tricolage.
Read more about Tricolage’s Sustainability journey and Sustainable Travel Report 2024 here.
Note: GSTC Membership and GSTC Certification are distinct and separate statuses. Certification does not require GSTC Membership. Being a GSTC Member means joining a global community that supports and promotes sustainable tourism principles, but it does not imply that the member’s operations are certified or endorsed by the GSTC. In contrast, GSTC Certification refers to a rigorous, third-party, independent assessment conducted by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies, verifying that a tourism business or destination meets the GSTC Standards.