GSTC was present at ITB Berlin 2024. Under the motto « Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together. », professionals from business, science, and politics discussed new concepts and strategies for the travel industry in transition at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds from the 5th to the 7th of March 2024.
Dr. Ioannis Pappas GSTC Director of the Mediterranean Region and GSTC Board Member, Matthias Beyer, CEO of Mascontour and GSTC Board Member; Rika Jean-François, CSR Commissioner, ITB Berlin and GSTC Board Member; Dr. Elif Balcı Fisunoğlu, Vice General Manager, Tourism Operations and Development, Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA); Beatriz Barreal Danel, Founder and CEO of Sustainable Riviera Maya; Netsai BollmannProgramme Manager, Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area Secretariat and GSTC Board Member; and GSTC General Manager Roi Ariel all attended the event.
Roi Ariel, GSTC General Manager, gave a keynote presentation about Sustainable Tourism Standards at the 19th Green Business Forum for Tourism Professionals, which took place on Tuesday, March 5th, at the ITB Lighthouse Stage.
During his presentation, Roi Ariel shared valuable insights into the importance of standards, and how they serve as a compass, guiding destinations, businesses, and travelers towards making a more sustainable tourism industry. By adhering to these standards, destinations and businesses demonstrate their commitment to responsible tourism practices, fostering trust among travelers and enhancing their reputation.
As GSTC acts as an international body providing assurance for sustainable tourism certification, participants understood the importance of certification in providing assurance and driving positive change throughout the industry.
Mr. Ariel also spoke about Inclusivity in Tourism on March 7th at the ITB Lighthouse Stage along with Nithi Subhongsang, Managing Director of Nutty’s Adventures, Thailand. They highlighted the importance of inclusivity in driving positive change and underscored the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in adopting sustainable practices.
The GSTC Team met several GSTC Members at ITB Berlin, including Visit Sweden, Sentosa Development Corporation, PATA, Booking.com, BeCause, Green Destinations, Travelife, TerraVerde, North Flash, TrainingAi, Asian Ecotourism Network, and more.
The event served as a reminder that the journey towards a more sustainable tourism industry requires the involvement of all stakeholders — from policymakers and business leaders to travelers and local communities.
