The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) recently held a significant workshop and training classes in Tokyo, Japan, from the 27th to the 28th of September 2023, in collaboration with JTB Corp.
The GSTC Workshop sponsored by JTB was held the 27th of September at the JTB Corp office in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo. With over 40 participants from 15 GSTC Organizations and Destination Members in Japan. The facilitator of this hybrid workshop (part online, part onsite) was Kuniko Takasaki, Chief Communication Officer at JTB Group and Member of GSTC’s Board of Directors. GSTC CEO, Randy Durband greeted the participants at the beginning of the workshop and presented GSTC’s Activities and global market trends of the industry.
In addition to the GSTC Workshop, there was also a ‘Training of Trainers’ and a GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course (ST Course) aimed to equip JTB employees with the essential knowledge and tools to implement sustainable tourism principles in their operations. Both trainings were sponsored by JTB, for JTB employees, from the 26th to the 28th of September, and included a site visit to Tokyu Kawasaki Skyfront Hotel.
Participants gained a deeper understanding of the GSTC Criteria and broadened their sustainability knowledge. Guided by industry experts, participants explored case studies and real-world applications, ensuring a comprehensive grasp of the subject matter. The training also fostered a collaborative environment, where attendees exchanged ideas and insights, enhancing their perspective on sustainable tourism practices. Both trainings were conducted by Dr. Mihee Kang, GSTC Assurance Program Director & Asia-Pacific Program Director, Mami Futagami, Emeritus Professor at Meijo University and Koji Miwa, Policy Researcher at Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
Last year, on the occasion of its 110th anniversary, JTB Corp signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with GSTC and became a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
GSTC will continue cooperating with JTB to advance sustainable tourism practices in the industry.
