the global sustainable tourism council's role in responsible tourism- luigi cabrini
TRANSCRIPT
Conference on Low Carbon Tourism”Budva, Montenegro, 9-19 October 2015
“The global Sustainable Tourism Council’s role in promoting responsible tourism "
Dr. Luigi Cabrini, Chair of the Board of Directors, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and
Advisor of the Secretary-General, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
Presentation on behalf of Dr. Luigi Cabrini…
i. Fostering increased knowledge and understanding of sustainable
tourism practices
ii. Promoting the adoption of universal sustainable tourism principles and
iii. Building demand for sustainable travel
The Council was created in 2010 with the mission of promoting sustainability in tourism by:
Registered as a not-for-profit organization
What is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)?
Work Areas
Destinations
Education and training
International standards
Market access
Communication
Areas
Some Members
Result of a public consultation process and efforts of organizations,
interest groups and individuals, comparing certification programs
available
Define sustainable tourism in a measurable and credible way
Establish a minimum standard of sustainability for tourism businesses
worldwide
Suitable for large and small businesses
Suitable for urban, rural and natural areas
Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria
4 Pillars of Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria
2. Social & Economic 3. Cultural 4. Environmental
1. SustainabilityManagement
Criteria for Destinations (Nov 2013) Criteria for Hotels and Tour Operators (2008, rev.2012)
To date, two sets of GSTC Criteria have been developed:
Destinations Program
GSTC Destination Assessment: Application of the GSTC criteria to understand the
destination's present status against the world's leading standards and to identify areas for improvement.
Training: Provides a good understanding of the criteria in a
particular context, through practical examples on how to use the indicators to better plan and manage tourism at destinations.
Destination Criteria– 4 Sections
A: Demonstrate sustainable destination management
B: Maximize economic benefits to the host community and minimize negative impacts
C: Maximize benefits to communities, visitors, and culture; minimize negative impacts
D. Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts
Environmental risk Protection of sensitive environments Wildlife protection Greenhouse Gas Emissions Energy conservation Water management, security and quality Waste water Solid waste reduction Light and noise pollution Low impact transportation
Section D-Maximize benefits to the environment and minimize negative impacts
“GSTC - Recognized”
“GSTC – Approved”
“GSTC – Accredited”
GSTC is not a certification program. It “certifies the certifiers”
GSTC provides 3 levels of accreditation for Certification bodies, which gives:
Assurance that hotels, tour operators and destinations are certified by reputable organizations with rigorous certification requirements
23 Recognized Standards and 1 Approved Standard (Biosphere)
GSTC Integrity Program
Version 3.0 08/10/15 12
GSTC Accreditation Framework
Certification standard
GSTC evaluates and recognizes standard, if aligned with GSTC criteria
GSTC approves certification procedures for impartiality, transparency, and technical competence
GSTC endorsed independent accreditation body accredits certification body
Certified hotels can use GSTC approved seal alone or alongside certification body’s
1. Austrian Ecolabel for Tourism (Österreichisches Umweltzeichen)2. Biosphere Responsible Tourism – España/ –Approved H-TO and D 3. Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) for Hotels – Costa Rica4. EarthCheck Company Standard – Australia - Approved H-TO and D 5. Eco-Certification – Malta6. Ecotourism Australia's ecotourism standard & advanced standard- Approved H-TO 7. Ecotourism Ireland - Certification Programme8. European Ecotourism Labeling Standard (EETLS)9. Fair Trade in Tourism (FTT) – Sudáfrica10. Green Globe Certification – EEUU11. Great Green Deal12. Green Star Hotel (Egypt)13. Hoteles+ Verdes Asociación de Hoteles de Turismo de Argentina (AHT)14. Japan Ecolodge Association15. Ministerio de Turismo de Ecuador16. Qualmark, New Zealand17. Rainforest Alliance18. Sistema de Distinción en Turismo Sustentable (SERNATUR) – Chile19. Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STEP) – EEUU20. TourCert (CRS Tourism)21. Travelife Standard for Hotels and Accommodations - UK/The Netherlands22. Travelife Standard for Tour Operators and Travel Agents - Reino Unido / Países Bajos23. Zeitz Foundation
23 Standards Recognized by GSTC
GSTC will contact the following online travel agents and offer this list of eco-certified hotels...
GSTC is working to bring eco-certified hotels to millions of customers ready to book them
Market Access
• Focus on quality not quantity• Respond to the increasing demand for authentic, sustainable,
responsible products• Brand destinations as “sustainable”(or “green” or “responsible”) • Going sustainable provides economic benefits within short time
and with longer duration • Engage communities and all players, including the big ones:
everyone stands to gain • Stress sustainable tourism benefits in comparison with other
approaches• Montenegro destinations possess unique resources and
attractions: ensure their value is recognized
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