GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) welcomes Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts as a member to the Council. The GSTC is an independent and neutral organization that represents a diverse and global membership, including national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, NGO’s, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism. Founded in 1960 by Isadore Sharp, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts (“Four Seasons”) is a globally renowned hospitality company specializing in luxury hotels, resorts, and residential properties, striving to ensure its activities are consistent with the long-term health of the communities and ecosystems where it operates.
“We are pleased that Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has joined our global network as a GSTC Member and are committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices. We look forward to working with them to advance together in the direction of this shared and significant goal” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
As of year-end 2022, the company manages 126 hotels and resorts and 53 residential properties in major city centers and resort locations in 47 countries, with more than 50 projects under planning or development. Over 50,000 staff are employed at the managed properties and the company’s offices.
“Joining the GSTC signifies our unwavering commitment to ensuring our activities are consistent with the long-term health of the communities and ecosystems where we operate. Through the GSTC community, we look forward to further collaboration with our partners across the travel and tourism industry to pave the way for a more sustainable and vibrant future,” said Caitrin O’Brien, Vice President, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
Through the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) program, Four Seasons seeks to preserve and regenerate the places in which they operate and leave a positive, enduring impact on their communities.
The company’s ESG program is centered around two pillars: Planet (environmental impact) and People (social impact). Each pillar is supported by specific activities and objectives, with a close eye on how efforts will contribute to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Learn more here.
About the GSTC
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council® (GSTC®) establishes and manages global sustainable standards, known as the GSTC Criteria. There are two sets: Destination Criteria for public policy-makers and destination managers, and Industry Criteria for hotels and tour operators. 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/
About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts opened its first hotel in 1961, and since that time has been dedicated to perfecting the travel experience through continual innovation and the highest standards of hospitality. Currently operating 126 hotels and resorts, and 53 residential properties in major city centres and resort destinations in 47 countries, and with more than 50 projects under planning or development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world’s best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.
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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.
