WASHINGTON, D.C. / MADRID, Nov 26, 2013– The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and Sustainable Travel International today announced collaboration on an innovative platform for sustainable destinations worldwide.
The new joint program includes networking opportunities through the GSTC’s Destination Membership, and Sustainable Travel International’s Sustainable Destination Leadership Network (SDLN). These programs, which are now available at a combined price, provide destinations with an unparalleled opportunity for learning, idea sharing, advocacy, and collaboration on a global scale.
“Collaboration is the essence of sustainable tourism” stressed Mauro Marrocu, CEO of GSTC. “Partnering in areas of common interest and responsibility will increase each organization’s ability to achieve its mission, and will increase the positive impact of our joint efforts. It will also enable us to take the new GSTC Destination Criteria to the next level, and secure increased adoption of the criteria around the world.”
The GSTC has also launched a new Destination Partner Program, following the completion of a two-year Early Adopter pilot implemented in more than 10 destinations worldwide. This pilot resulted in the release of the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria for Destinations on 1st November.
The criteria provide, for the first time, a universal set of guidelines for managing destination sustainability.
GSTC Destination Partners will be able to request an on-site evaluation, as well as training on alignment with the GSTC Destination Criteria. Destinations will also
continue to provide feedback for ongoing improvements to the program. Sustainable Travel International will be one of the GSTC’s approved technical implementers of these offerings, enabling GSTC to deliver consistent and high quality sustainable tourism solutions in destinations worldwide.
“Destinations play a critical role in the long-term viability of the travel industry and sustainable tourism has the power to drive significant economic growth in communities,” said Brian Mullis, CEO of Sustainable Travel International. “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with the GSTC while playing an active role in these global initiatives, which are designed to make sustainable destination management a reality.”
The new agreement between the two organizations is non-exclusive, and non-competitive with Certification Bodies, which will be eligible for Recognition, Approval and Accreditation utilizing the new Criteria for Destinations.
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About the GSTC (www.gstcouncil.org)
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council is a global initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism efforts around the world. Housed within the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the GSTC works to expand understanding of and access to sustainable tourism practices; helps identify and generate markets for sustainable tourism; and educates about and advocates for a set of universal principles, as defined by the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. The Criteria, a set of voluntary principles that provide a framework for the sustainability of tourism businesses across the globe, is the cornerstone of our initiative.
About Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravel.org)
Sustainable Travel International is a non-profit organization with a purpose. We’ve been collaborating with destinations, businesses and travelers to implement innovative sustainable tourism development and conservation solutions since 2002. We combine the mission and transparency of a non-profit NGO with the business acumen and expertise of the private sector, ensuring our partners achieve their desired results and receive a strong return on investment.
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Media Contacts:
Global Sustainable Tourism Council
Anja Eckervogt and Jimena Moses
Strategy and Communications Working Group
Sustainable Travel International
Jeremy Sampson
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
