The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) introduced its Early Adopter Programs when the first versions of GSTC Destination Criteria and GSTC MICE Criteria came out to promote sustainable practices in the relevant tourism sector. These programs serve as a platform for destinations, businesses, and tourism organizations to implement and refine the GSTC’s new sustainability criteria.
Participants in the Early Adopter Programs benefit from comprehensive assessments, expert guidance, and the opportunity to showcase their commitment to sustainability. By engaging in these initiatives, early adopters play a crucial role in setting benchmarks for responsible tourism, driving industry-wide change, and fostering a global community dedicated to forward sustainability in travel and tourism.
Early Adopters for the GSTC MICE Criteria
GSTC designed the Early Adopter Program to support the development of the applicable implementation of the GSTC MICE Criteria, which is divided into three sub-sectors: Venues, Event Organizers, and Events & Exhibitions. The program, which started in June 2024 and will end in June 2026, aims to facilitate the practical implementation of the GSTC MICE Criteria, supporting their development and effective use in the industry.
GSTC MICE Early Adopter’s Program for Venues and Event Organizers
RWS is Asia’s premium lifestyle destination resort located on Singapore’s resort island of Sentosa. RWS became the first in the world to be certified against GSTC standards for both Destination and Industry Criteria for Hotels.
Constellar Venues is the operator responsible for the management and operations of Singapore EXPO, the nation’s largest convention and exhibition center, encompassing over 123,000 square meters of exhibition halls and meeting rooms. As Asia’s most sustainable venue powered by renewable energy, our comprehensive venue-wide initiatives focus on four key areas: onsite renewable energy, smart and sustainable building operations, zero-waste solutions, and responsible food practices.
Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica is a modern and versatile event venue located in the province of Heredia, near the capital city of San José. Inaugurated in April 2018, this center was designed to be a meeting point for events of all kinds, including conferences, exhibitions, fairs, corporate and cultural events.
Unearthed Productions is a full-service event agency based in Singapore. Empowered by a team of creators, strategists, and experts who are deeply passionate about content, audience engagement, and event technology, Unearthed Productions delivers a complete suite of event solutions that allow event organisers to seamlessly execute an award-winning event experience. Producing hundreds of event experiences for thousands of audiences annually, Unearthed Productions is the trusted partner of both organisations and venue owners in the region.
Early Adopters for the GSTC Attraction Criteria
Application information can be found on this page. If you have any inquiries please email criteria@gstc.org
Early Adopters for the GSTC Destination Criteria
The GSTC Destination Criteria was released in December 2013 and the Early Adopter Program for Destinations ran from 2012 through early 2014. Each destination underwent a baseline sustainability assessment by applying the draft of the Criteria as feasibility assessment participants during the development process. Then, as early adopters for the final version of the Criteria, they assessed themselves against the Criteria to see the gaps and establish strategies to address those gaps. Both activities provided a detailed analysis of the destination’s current practices, highlighting areas of strength and pinpointing opportunities for improvement.
Cusco, Peru, is a region recognized for its rich history and cultural significance. The area showcases a mix of ancient Inca architecture and diverse natural landscapes, including the famous ruins of Machu Picchu, which lie nestled in the Andean mountains. The city of Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, is characterized by its well-preserved colonial buildings, traditional cuisine, and lively markets. The surrounding region features picturesque valleys and numerous archaeological sites. Visitors to Cusco can immerse themselves in the area’s history, enjoy scenic hikes, and experience the vibrant local culture.
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/early-adopter-spotlight-cusco-region-of-peru-completes-early-adopter-assessment-of-global-sustainable-tourism-criteria-for-destinations/
NCE Tourism – Fjord Norway is a tourism cluster with a focus on adventure travel. The cluster unites adventure companies (tour operators, destinations, transportation, and accommodation providers) with research and education institutes as well as public policymakers. Their vision for this particular work method, cluster, is to develop the Fjord Norway region in Western Norway into a place of world-leading sustainable adventure tourism.
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/early-adopter-spotlight-fjord-norway/
Mount Huangshan Scenic Area Administrative Committee (HSAC) is an organization legislatively ratified by the standing committees of the People’s Congress of Anhui Province and authorized by the Huangshan Municipal Government to conduct the overall management of Mt.Huangshan.HSAC has four functions, including strategic planning, protecting the resources and environment, promoting tourism development, and coordinating the interests of communities. Mt. Huangshan is the only one featuring mountainous landscape among “the top ten scenic areas in China.” It was listed in the “World Cultural and Natural Heritage” site in 1990 by UNESCO.
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/early-adopter-spotlight-huangshan-china/
The Riverwind Foundation is the managing organization for the Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Sustainable Destination Program. The mission of the Riverwind Foundation is to empower individuals, organizations, and communities to explore, experience, and exchange perspectives of economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The Riverwind Foundation does this by providing education, training, and experiential opportunities on the principles and practices of sustainability; serving as a resource for information, programming, and networking on sustainability; seeking and facilitating partnerships to further our vision, mission, and goals. The Jackson Hole & Yellowstone Sustainable Destination Program’s vision is for Teton County to be a global leading sustainable destination and community. The purpose of the Program is to strengthen, sustain, and balance the programs, policies, and practices for environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic vitality
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/gstc-member-and-early-adopter-jackson-hole-selected-as-finalist-for-national-geographic-world-legacy-award/ and here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/teton-county-stewardship-journal/
Lago Llanquihue, located in southern Chile, is known for its natural beauty, featuring a picturesque setting surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes and lush forests. As the second-largest lake in Chile, it attracts both local and international tourists who enjoy a variety of activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and exploring charming towns like Puerto Varas and Frutillar, famous for their German-inspired architecture and vibrant cultural scenes. The region hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year, enhancing its appeal. With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, Lago Llanquihue offers opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and a connection with nature.
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/early-adopter-spotlight-lake-llanquihue-in-chile-completes-early-adopter-assessment-of-global-sustainable-tourism-criteria-for-destinations/
Turismo Lanzarote aims to promote, develop, and enhance economic activities, particularly tourism, to boost the economic growth of Lanzarote. Its responsibilities include promoting tourism both on the island and internationally, unifying Lanzarote’s tourism promotion policy, studying, researching, documenting, and disseminating information about Lanzarote’s image, and executing actions derived from the island’s Tourism Marketing Plan. Additional activities focus on improving and beautifying Lanzarote’s landscape, designing guides and brochures for better dissemination of the tourism sector, organizing various events for tourism promotion, marketing Lanzarote as a tourist destination through the internet, and promoting the island as a venue for conferences, fairs, conventions, seminars, and special sports activities.
More information: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/early-adopter-spotlight-lanzarote-canary-islands/
Mara Naboisho is known for its diverse wildlife and conservation efforts. The area features a mix of savannah landscapes, acacia woodlands, and rolling hills, providing a habitat for a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and giraffes. The conservancy is adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, allowing for seamless wildlife movement. Visitors can enjoy guided safaris, cultural experiences, and the opportunity to witness the annual wildebeest migration.
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/mara-naboisho-becomes-first-wildlife-conservancy-early-adopter-of-global-sustainable-tourism-criteria-for-destinations
The Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO) is the leading body supporting the efforts to market Botswana’s tourist product, grade and classify tourist accommodation facilities, and promote investment in the tourism sector. With its long-standing commitment to conservation of its land, wildlife, and cultural heritage, Botswana enjoys a solid reputation as a progressive sustainable tourism destination and one of the top safari destinations in the world. BTO offers the Botswana Ecotourism Certification System, which is designed to encourage and support responsible environmental, social, and cultural behavior by tourism businesses and make sure they provide quality eco-friendly products to consumers.
More information: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/early-adopter-spotlight-botswanas-okavango-delta-ramsar-site-2/
The Independent State of Samoa comprises ten islands located in Polynesia, spanning a total area of 2,831 square kilometers. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, Samoa boasts picturesque coastlines, pristine white sandy beaches, vibrant coral reefs, rich marine wildlife, and lush rainforest-covered volcanic peaks. The Samoan way of life, known as “Fa’a Samoa,” emphasizes the importance of family and a communal lifestyle that reflects deep-rooted traditions and cultural values. This unique cultural heritage contributes to the nation’s distinct identity and offers a glimpse into the harmonious and authentic way of living cherished by the Samoan people.
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/samoa-completes-early-adopter-assessment-applying-global-sustainable-tourism-criteria-for-destinations/
Sierra Gorda, Mexico, is a region known for its ecological diversity and conservation areas. The landscape includes mountains, forests, and canyons, providing habitats for various plant and animal species. The region has a cultural heritage with historic missions and local communities. Visitors to Sierra Gorda can explore hiking trails, observe bird life, and engage in different nature activities.
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/sierra-gorda-completes-early-adopter-assessment-applying-global-sustainable-tourism-criteria-for-destinations/ and here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/early-adopter-destination-sierra-gorda-revisited/
South Sardinia, Italy, is a region known for its coastline, clear waters, and small villages. The area features a combination of natural scenery and cultural heritage. Inland, the landscape includes ancient nuraghi stone structures from Sardinia’s prehistoric period. The city of Cagliari, the regional capital, has a history, local cuisine, and markets. Visitors can explore the beaches, hike in the mountains, and experience local traditions, offering a mix of leisure and exploration.
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/early-adopter-spotlight-south-sardinia-completes-early-adopter-assessment-of-global-sustainable-tourism-criteria-for-destinations/
St. Croix, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is located in the Caribbean Sea and covers an area of 218 square kilometers. The island features a variety of landscapes, including beaches, clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, tropical forests, and rolling hills. St. Croix has a cultural history influenced by African, European, and Caribbean traditions. The local community values hospitality and maintains a strong sense of community, which is evident in their customs and events. This blend of natural and cultural elements characterizes the distinct environment and lifestyle of St. Croix.
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/st-croix-completes-early-adopter-assessment-of-global-sustainable-tourism-criteria-for-destinations/
The St. Kitts Sustainable Destination Council (SDC) is an advisory body consisting of public and private sector representatives with an interest in sustainable destination management in St. Kitts. The SDC launched in November 2013, as one of the key recommendations following the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s destination assessment of St. Kitts and Nevis as part of GSTC’s Early Adopter program.
More information here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/early-adopter-destination-st-kitts-and-nevis-revisited/
Sustainable Riviera Maya (SRM) is an NGO founded in 2009 with the mission to make sustainable tourism the primary engine for development, wealth and the engine of peace. At the same time, SRM makes efforts to preserving natural treasures, local culture, and society. Additionally, SRM strives to provide a linking platform that fosters congresses, seminars, training, and certifications. Along with international standards adoption processes in sustainable strategies, and solution/action plans in the Riviera Maya, involving all the stakeholders in the tourism sector. SRM generates opportunities in order to increase the consciousness of sustainability as a real path of human beings remembering their greatness, loving nature, respecting culture, and generating wealth from within.
More information: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/riviera-maya-completes-early-adopter-assessment-of-global-sustainable-tourism-criteria-for-destinations-2/ and here: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/the-maya-rivieras-queen-of-green/
For more information on Early Adopters of the GSTC Destination Criteria, visit this page.