June 26, 2014 – The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is pleased to announce the launch of the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program. The training program is designed to educate travel and tourism professionals on key factors needed to integrate sustainability into a destination, business or organization. Highlights include discussions about current best practices, on-site tours and an in-depth look at GSTC Criteria and Indicators. The program is facilitated by GSTC Trainers, hand-picked by the GSTC for their extensive knowledge and experience.
The training programs can be tailored to fit the needs of any travel and tourism related business or destination. Training classes are available in many different languages and several locations around the world. GSTC Trainers are highly skilled professionals with years of experience in sustainable tourism best practices, certification processes, and GSTC Criteria and Indicators.
GSTC Launches Program in Maharashtra, India
The first GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program was just held at the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, near Nagpur Maharashtra India. The three-day program was attended by over 40 tourism professionals in the region. Attendees included Field Director’s from all five of India’s Project Tiger National Parks, Forest Service representatives, tourism board members and local ecolodge owners.
The program included an in-depth look at the GSTC Criteria and Indicators for Tour Operators, Hotels and Destinations. GSTC Trainer Guy Chester reported that “Participants worked through real life issues for sustainable tourism in the Tiger reserves, from the perspective of managing the destination, running wildlife tours and for the ecolodges and hotels surrounding each reserve. This gave participants a local perspective to apply the global GSTC Criteria as a framework.” Participants also visited an ecolodge adjacent to Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. During this half-day field session, participants were able to see and discuss examples of industry best practices.
Bring the GSTC to You
Training programs are delivered in many languages and can be found in regions all over the world. Prices vary by location and length of the course. For more information on how to book a GSTC Sustainability Training Program, contact the GSTC at: training [at] gstcouncil.org
