Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) has joined as a Member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
Tourism is one of the largest industries in L.A. County, generating important tax revenues for public services. A key economic development tool, which sparks investment in hospitality infrastructure and attractions, supports hundreds of thousands of area jobs, and enhances the overall quality of life for residents and their local community.
The mission of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is to improve the quality of life for all Angelenos through the economic and community benefits of tourism. Representing over 1,000 local tourism-related businesses, Los Angeles Tourism is a private, non-profit organization responsible for promoting the City of Angels.
Sustainability in Los Angeles
In 2019, former Mayor Eric Garcetti launched the city’s Green New Deal, a comprehensive roadmap to protect L.A.’s environment, strengthen the economy and build a more equitable future. As part of the Green New Deal, LA has ambitious targets to have 100% renewable energy by 2045, be 100% net zero and divert 100% of waste from landfill by 2050 and recycle 100% of wastewater by 2035. In addition, L.A. was the first city in the U.S. to mandate city buildings be LEED certified, and now has the nation’s largest fleet of natural gas-powered, green buses.
The City of Los Angeles, created its first Tourism Master Plan (TMP) in 2020, a destination management plan that analyzes the city’s tourism assets and looks at what infrastructure is required in order to handle the large increase in visitation expected in the upcoming years. Including environmental sustainability, impacts on existing resources, and mitigating or preventing negative implications for local stakeholders or the quality of life of residents.
Read about the City of Los Angeles TMP here.
The TMP suggests the creation and implementation of a Sustainable Tourism Program for Los Angeles, led by the Los Angeles City Tourism Department that involves many partners such as the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, Visit California, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Cultural Heritage Commission, California Arts Council, amongst others.
The GSTC Destination Sustainability Assessment for Los Angeles County, California, is currently in process. This assessment will contribute to a county-level systematic review, by applying the GSTC Criteria to improve destination sustainability and inform strategic stewardship opportunities.
“We are honored to be among the first U.S. destinations to join the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). As the official, non-profit tourism promotion organization for the City of Angels, our goal is to ensure that tourism is managed responsibly, equitably, and sustainably – providing significant economic and community benefits to every region and neighborhood in LA. We look forward to collaborating with GSTC and the Los Angeles City Tourism Department to build a thriving industry that improves the quality of life for all Angelenos,” said Adam Burke, President and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
GSTC Welcomes LA Tourism
“We welcome Los Angeles Tourism as a member of GSTC and congratulate them for the steps taken towards becoming a more sustainable city. Tourism, if nurtured responsibly, can become a significant positive influence, aiding in the preservation of natural and cultural treasures, fostering local economic prospects, and enhancing understanding and peace between cultures. With the GSTC Destination Sustainability Assessment in process, Los Angeles is showcasing its commitment to advance sustainable tourism practices, we find their dedication commendable” states Randy Durband, GSTC CEO.
GSTC encourages destinations pursuing sustainability practices in tourism development and management to join as GSTC members and apply the GSTC Destination Criteria, which eventually can help achieve certification by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.
About Los Angeles Tourism
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is the non-profit destination marketing and sales organization for the Los Angeles tourism industry and the ultimate resource for where to stay and play in the LA area.
Los Angeles is a dynamic, ever-evolving destination – where diversity thrives, and everyone is welcome. Discover LA by exploring its more than 30 culturally rich neighborhoods, each one offering a distinct vibe. LA is home to more than 300 days of warm sunshine, 75 miles of idyllic shoreline, more museums and performing arts venues than any other U.S. city, and an innovative culinary scene led by influential tastemakers. A global creative capital and the epicenter of the sports universe, LA presents limitless possibilities for visitors from around the world. For more information, visit discoverlosangeles.com or follow @discoverLA on Threads, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. These are the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should aspire to reach in order to protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty alleviation.
The GSTC Criteria form the foundation for GSTC’s assurance role for Certification Bodies that certify hotels/accommodations, tour operators, and destinations as having sustainable policies and practices in place. GSTC does not directly certify any products or services, but provides accreditation to those that do. The GSTC is an independent and neutral USA-registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.
Information for media and the press: www.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/
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Statements expressed in this announcement are presented for informational purposes only and should not be taken as an endorsement or recommendation by GSTC, unless clearly stated.
