In September and October 2020, the GSTC, in partnership with the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) offered professional training sessions of the GSTC Sustainable Tourism Training Program (STTP) in five regional destinations:

• 三浦半島　Miura, Kanagawa
• 京都　Kyoto
• ニセコ　Niseko, Hokkaido
• 沖縄　Okinawa
• 白川村　Shirakawa, Gifu

These destinations are part of the JTA’s ongoing efforts to implement the Japan Sustainable Tourism Standard for Destinations (JSTS-D), which is based on the GSTC Criteria for Destinations.

The training classes were attended by destination representatives, and local and regional government officials. In addition, the groups also included private sector stakeholders, academics and professionals from other related sectors.

Given the current situation with COVID-19, these classes were conducted following strict healthy and safety measures, which meant some restrictions on activities and venue options. Despite these conditions, the training classes provided valuable opportunities for learning, professional development and networking. The GSTC is grateful for the support and contribution by JTA that have made these opportunities possible, and in particular, Ms Minako Okada (JTB Tourism Research & Consulting Co.) for organizing all the classes.

The training classes were delivered by the following GSTC trainers in Japan: Mr. Kazuhiro Arai, Ms. Minako Okada, Mr. Masaru Takayama, Prof. Kumi Kato, and Prof. Mami Futagami.

Global Standards, Local Contexts

As part of each training sessions, local and regional examples were highlighted through guest presentations and field visits to local sites and organizations, providing additional opportunities for training participants to learn about and discuss real-life application of sustainability practices.

Photos of the training sessions provided by JTA and GSTC trainers: (1) Field session, Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center, Okinawa; (2) Guest presentation, Shirakawa – Mr. Tatsuya Ozaki, Assistant Division Chief, Shirakawa Village Office; (3) Field session, Kyoto – presentation by Mr. Tsuyoshi Yamashita, Managing Director, Good Nature Station; (4) Field session, Shirakawa; (5) Field session, Miura – led by Mr. Masafumi Kon, Chairperson, Komachi Shop Association.