Sustainability
GSTC
Also written: global sustainable tourism council
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is an independent non-profit organization that establishes and manages global standards for sustainable travel and tourism. Distinct from general environmental bodies, it creates baseline criteria for hotel sustainability and accredits certification bodies that audit properties.
How it is used
Asset owners and operators use GSTC Criteria to guide environmental, social, and cultural management systems. Revenue managers and commercial teams leverage GSTC-aligned certifications—such as Travelife or Green Key—to secure corporate RFP travel contracts, satisfy ESG procurement mandates, and gain preferred placement on online travel agency sustainability filters. Compliance reduces utility consumption, mitigates regulatory risk, and protects asset valuation during disposition.
Worked example
A 200-room hotel aligns its operational policies with the GSTC Industry Criteria, implementing waste diversion and energy monitoring. After an independent audit by a GSTC-accredited body, the property achieves official certification. This status allows the commercial team to bid on a corporate account requiring verified sustainability credentials, securing 1,500 annual room nights.
Common mistake
Claiming GSTC compliance without completing an audit by an officially GSTC-accredited third-party certification body exposes properties to greenwashing allegations.