Arizona Office of Tourism Joins GSTC

July 2020 – The Arizona Office of Tourism has joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) as a destination member.

The Arizona Office of Tourism works to strengthen and grow Arizona’s economy through travel and tourism promotion, positioning Arizona as a leading destination for domestic and international travelers while enhancing the quality of life for all Arizonans. This mission includes stabilizing and strengthening local economies, protecting natural and cultural resources and providing meaningful visitor experiences. Tourism is a key industry that provides positive economic impacts to all 15 Arizona counties.

“With so many people visiting Arizona’s amazing outdoor recreation spaces, many for the first time, we have a rare opportunity to help destinations educate visitors on enjoying Arizona sustainably,” said Debbie Johnson, Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “By reaching visitors early-on, we can help them create responsible visitation habits that they can pass to future generations.”

“We are delighted that the Arizona Office of Tourism is developing new approaches for more sustainable tourism in their state, and are committed to applying the GSTC Criteria into practice,” says Randy Durband, CEO of the GSTC. “We look forward to engaging with their team and with many of the world-class tourism destinations within their state.”

GSTC encourages destinations pursuing sustainability practices in development and management of tourism, to join as GSTC members and apply the GSTC Destination Criteria, which eventually can lead to being certified by a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body.