Sustainable First, the recently launched platform to champion sustainable tourism initiatives, has signed a strategic agreement with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
This partnership will give the GSTC the opportunity to continue to foster sustainable tourism practices around the world promoting the increased knowledge, understanding and adoption of its sustainable tourism principles and criteria. As part of this agreement, Sustainable First will work closely with the GSTC to feature all hotels and tour operators of its Accredited Certification Bodies, as well as prominent GSTC Members.
Both organisations share a similar vision and have integrated the UN Sustainable Development Goals into their strategy, advocating for its use within the tourism industry. It is now every citizen’s responsibility to work together to rise to the United Nations challenge and build a better future.
At a time when governments are defining how to get their economies back on track, the world has realised the key role of the Travel & Tourism industry and the crucial part it will play in global economic recovery. There is a new found opportunity to drive consumer demand for trustworthy sustainable choices and guide travellers towards a more environmentally friendly behaviour.
“When many in the tourism sector are reassessing their operations, it is important to share the stories of the accommodations, tour operators, and destinations, which are certified as sustainable. Their stories of operating sustainably can be used as an example to inspire others,” said Randy Durband, CEO of GSTC.
“We are thrilled to have GSTC as partners, they are the industry’s ultimate authority on sustainability and we want to support their mission, while showcasing to our audience what the most sustainable destinations and hotels are according to the highest standards. These are times where transformation is essential and we are playing a part in this global mindset reset where sustainability is top of mind by inspiring travellers, showcasing the world’s most reliable Sustainable Tourism choices,” said Mafalda Borea, CEO and Co-Founder of Sustainable First.
About the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (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 role as the global Accreditation Body for Certification Programs 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 it accredits 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 UN agencies, NGO’s, national and provincial governments, leading travel companies, hotels, tour operators, individuals and communities – all striving to achieve best practices in sustainable tourism.
Information for the press and media: https://staging.gstcouncil.org/about/for-the-press/ and https://staging.gstcouncil.org
About Sustainable First
Sustainable First inspires actions and strategies for moving towards a more sustainable pattern of development in Tourism providing prosperity and opportunities for all. The program’s vision is to make the tourism industry the leading activity sector in implementing sustainable strategies while linking them to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable First is not a certification program but aims to recognize individuals, companies and organizations making significant efforts and contributing to the environmental, social and economic welfare of the planet.
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