The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) successfully delivered a two-day Sustainable Tourism Training in Fiji on the 3rd and 4th of August 2025, hosted at the Marriott International Fiji. The course brought together 58 participants from across the region, representing hotels, destinations, government agencies, tour operators, and hospitality professionals committed to strengthening sustainable practices throughout the Pacific.
Two courses were delivered, one led by Kelly Bricker, Vice Chair of the GSTC and Associate Dean of the HNU–ASU Joint International College (HAIC), and another by GSTC Trainer, David Ermen. Both trainers guided participants through practical strategies for implementing the GSTC Standards across business operations and destination management. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and group activities, attendees explored topics such as sustainable policy development, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
The program also featured guest presentations from industry leaders in the region. Yvo Van Dijk, Hotel Manager at Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, shared insights on operational sustainability and the resort’s approach to integrating community-focused initiatives. And Micaela McLeod, Sustainability Manager at Destination Queenstown & Lake Wānaka Tourism, provided a destination perspective, illustrating how regional collaboration and long-term strategic planning can drive meaningful sustainability outcomes.
This pre-conference training served as a valuable foundation for attendees preparing to attend the GSTC2025 Global Conference, held from 5-8 August 2025 at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, where approximately 350 delegates from over 40 countries gathered to connect, learn, and explore global trends and challenges in sustainable tourism. Read more about the GSTC2025 Global Conference in Fiji here.
