The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) announced in April 2023 the development of new criteria sets, GSTC MICE Criteria and GSTC Attraction Criteria, with support from the Singapore Tourism Board STB.
The GSTC MICE Criteria (covering Venues, Event Organizers, and Events/Exhibitions) and GSTC Attraction Criteria aim to serve as the global sustainability standards for these respective industries.
The 1st Public Consultation for the GSTC Attraction Criteria is now open
The first public consultation period for the GSTC Attraction Criteria has begun and will remain open until the 15th of March, 2024 (60 days). Professionals and practitioners in the attraction sector are invited to share insights during the first public consultation phase of the GSTC Attraction Criteria.
The GSTC Attraction Criteria includes four sections: Section A (Demonstrate effective sustainable management); Section B (Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community and minimize negative impacts); Section C (Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative impacts) and Section D (Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts).
You are more than welcome to make your comments on the whole criteria set here: *Public consultation is closed. Report on key findings from the 1st public consultation.
Or if you would like to comment on one specific section that you feel most confident, please click on the links below:
- GSTC Attraction Criteria section A: Demonstrate effective sustainable management
- GSTC Attraction Criteria section B: Maximize social and economic benefits to the local community and minimize negative impacts
- GSTC Attraction Criteria section C: Maximize benefits to cultural heritage and minimize negative impacts
- GSTC Attraction Criteria section D: Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts
We also appreciate your help in spreading the word. Please share this invitation with anyone you know who is involved with tourist attractions and sustainability. This could include theme parks, museums, attractions, national parks, tour operators, travel agents, hotel owners, event planners, policymakers, academics, non-profits, community members, or even individual travelers.
After the first public consultation period is over, a compiling and revision will be made which will be reviewed during the feasibility assessment followed by drafting revisions as needed.
Participants at the GSTC2024 Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, during April 23-26, will have the opportunity to participate in an in-person consultation workshop about the GSTC Attraction Criteria.
More detailed information about the process is available here: GSTC Attraction Criteria Development Terms of Reference (TOR) document.
The current Attraction Criteria Development Advisory Group includes the following organizations: Singapore Tourism Board, Association of Singapore Attractions (ASA), The Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA), South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), The Royal Djurgården Society, and U.S. National Park Service.
The current Attraction Criteria Development Key Stakeholders includes the following organizations: Blue Lagoon Island Bahamas, City of Dubrovnik, Mandai Wildlife Group and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA)
Thank you in advance for your contributions to this important effort. Together, we can keep the conversation about sustainable tourism going and make meaningful changes in how we all engage in this industry, shaping the future of Attractions for the better, together!
To know more about GSTC Criteria Development, Feedback, and Revision, please check this page.
