Comune di Siena has joined as a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
The Comune di Siena is a municipal entity located in the Tuscany region of Italy. Known for its rich history, Siena is distinguished by its well-preserved medieval architecture and cultural heritage. The municipality manages various aspects of local governance, including urban planning, public services, and cultural promotion. The city is also home to several notable landmarks, such as the Siena Cathedral and the Piazza del Campo, which attract visitors from around the world.
Sustainability Commitment
Comune di Siena has an accredited certification as a sustainable destination in 2023 by Vireo, a GSTC-Accredited Certification Body. Accreditation is a mark of quality that GSTC places on Certification Bodies that choose GSTC’s independent and neutral process to verify that they certify businesses, such as hotels, tour operators, or destinations, in a competent and neutral manner.
Siena’s strategy, “Per un Buon Governo del turismo a Siena” (“For Good Governance of Tourism in Siena”), was created with the involvement of local stakeholders and is rooted in sustainable development principles. This plan is designed to improve the quality of the tourist experience while safeguarding Siena’s cultural and natural heritage, promoting environmentally friendly practices, and ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are fairly distributed throughout the local community.
Siena’s strategic plan also addresses cultural and social sustainability. The city hosts numerous events that combine cultural enrichment with sustainability principles. For example, the “Arte Senese” exhibition at the Santa Maria della Scala Museum Complex showcases sustainable practices by using materials that can be reused for future exhibits.
Furthermore, the city encourages community engagement through guided tours of significant restoration projects, such as the “Good Government” frescoes, enhancing cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism.
The city has also implemented policies to protect local biodiversity, including participating in the “Comuni Amici delle Api” (Bee-Friendly Municipalities) initiative. This project aims to safeguard bee populations and promote sustainable beekeeping practices.
![[Piazza del Campo Dall Alto]](https://staging.gstcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/piazza-del-campo-dall_alto_comp.jpg)
Siena’s initiatives also include promoting eco-friendly transportation, supporting local businesses, and preserving cultural sites, all while minimizing tourism’s negative impacts on the environment and local community.
The first GSTC Sustainable Tourism Course in Italian concluded successfully in Siena last June, highlighted by the presence of City Tourism Councilor Vanna Giunti.
“We are honoured by Siena’s recognition for its sustainability efforts through the GSTC certification. This underscores our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism, aligning with global standards and ensuring the city’s attraction as a sustainable destination. Our affiliation with GSTC reflects a part of our strategy to embed sustainability in all aspects of our tourism practices” – City Tourism Councilor Vanna Giunti.
GSTC Welcomes Comune di Siena
“We are pleased to welcome Comune di Siena as a new member of the GSTC. Siena’s commitment to sustainability reflects a respect for the region’s heritage and a forward-thinking approach to its future. We look forward to working with Comune di Siena to advance sustainable tourism practices in their region,” says Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
About Comune di Siena
The Municipality of Siena plays a pivotal role within Italy’s administrative hierarchy, particularly in managing tourism centered around its UNESCO-listed historic center. With strategies focused on sustainable tourism and adaptive management the city integrates heritage preservation with modern visitor management. This involves balancing the historical allure, encapsulated by its medieval architecture and the famous Piazza del Campo with innovative tourism management practices that respect Siena’s cultural and environmental assets.
More information here: https://visitsienaofficial.it
About GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are three sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators, and MICE Criteria for Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions. 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/
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.
