December 7, 2016 – The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce that the Ecotourism Kenya Eco-rating Certification Scheme has achieved ‘GSTC-Recognized’ status. The awarded status affirms Ecotourism Kenya’s commitment to promote sustainable tourism products and services.
GSTC-Recognized means that a sustainable tourism standard has been reviewed by GSTC technical experts and the GSTC Accreditation Panel in order to be deemed equivalent to the GSTC Criteria. Additionally, an organization that meets GSTC requirements must administer the standard. The purpose of the GSTC programs is to recognize and reward genuine practitioners of sustainable tourism, which in turn builds confidence and credibility with consumers.
“Ecotourism Kenya continues its fine efforts to make nature- and wildlife-based tourism more and more sustainable. Applying localized standards that adhere to the universal principles included within the GSTC Criteria is part of their commitment to excellence,” says GSTC CEO Randy Durband.
“The GSTC recognition status is the ultimate mark of quality and place the Kenya’s eco-rating scheme in line with the best in Africa”, says Ecotourism Kenya CEO Grace Nderitu.
“This recognition will motivate the certified businesses and the Kenyan tourism industry at large to embrace practices that are ecologically and ethically sustainable in order to compete with the best in the world”, says Kenyan Cabinet Minister for Tourism Hon. Najib Balala.
To date, 30 standards have achieved GSTC-Recognized status. The completion of these step-wise programs rewards standard owners for their commitment to sustainability while offering the market benefit of proof that these national standards adhere to international norms.
The GSTC will continue to work with organizations around the world to provide GSTC Recognition, Approval & Accreditation of standards for sustainability in travel and tourism. GSTC-Recognized standard owners are encouraged to complete the Approved or Accreditation process in order to showcase excellence in their sustainability frameworks while further distinguishing their standards and processes amongst other certification programs. Learn more about GSTC Recognition.